Heather in The Akron Beacon Journal

Heather (Gardner) Starcher

On September 29, 2002, Heather (Gardner) Starcher, our 26-year-old newly wedded angel, wife of Jason Starcher and daughter of Robert and Rebecca Gardner, became our Heavenly angel as she left us to be with our Lord. On April 20, 2002, two families were united as Heather Gardner married Jason Starcher. These two families became one long before Heather’s wedding day though, as "Team Heather" was formed in early 2001 upon her diagnosis of breast cancer. Heather may no longer be with us, but she won her battle over cancer with each of her smiles that lit a room, in each of her heart-felt laughs, through every person she touched with her strength, and in the grace, faith and fortitude with which she met her enormous challenges.

Heather, a 1994 graduate of Manchester High School and a 1999 graduate of The University of Akron, made it a purpose in life to lighten the hearts of others with her smile and her warm touch. As a member of St. Francis De Sales Parish, Heather drew on her faith and prayer with the onset of each new obstacle. It was Heather’s family and friends that helped her to be able to stay positive, but it was undoubtedly Heather’s belief in God that enabled her to touch so many.

Heather added her own special influence to the Gardner Insurance Agency, where she worked with her father, Robert, for over six years. It was her career goal to succeed her father and assume the ownership of the agency. Heather greeted each new face with a welcoming air and took quality time to speak with clients and professionals alike.

Heather participated in The National Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C. for the past two years and offered herself to speak around Northeast Ohio on the importance of early detection and treatment for breast cancer. As a big sister, in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program for over six years, Heather was excited to help improve the quality of life for one less fortunate. It was a goal of Heather’s to make her little sister, Jolene, feel wanted and loved and Heather was dedicated to that effort. Heather also felt extremely fortunate to work with children with disabilities as a volunteer counselor for Camp Wonderlung. Heather enjoyed the escape she provided these very special children.

Heather leaves behind, to go on in her spirit, her dedicated and beloved husband of five months, Jason Starcher of Akron; parents, Robert and Rebecca Gardner of Akron; brother, Shawn Gardner of Washington, D.C.; sister, Renee Gardner of Jacksonville, FL; grandparents, Harvey and Flora Bridgeman of Dennison, OH; parents in law, Roland and Sandra Starcher of Akron; brother in law and sister in law, Scott and Dee Green and nephews, Logan and Nicholas, all of Akron; brother in law and sister in law, Sean and Jennifer Starcher and nieces, Morgan and Miranda, all of Akron; her indomitable circle of best friends, Jennifer Soles, Julie Carpenter, Tracy Young, Angela Rea and Raeal Moore, all of Akron and Columbus; and many many relatives and friends.

Along with countless others who prayed for her, laughed with her, cried over her and were touched by her larger-than-life spirit, the lives of these twenty-two relatives will forever be changed by having witnessed the courage in Heather’s battle. All but Heather’s spirit was taken from her, and so it is in this that we endeavor to embrace the beauty, joy and love of life and family. We will forever love and miss you Heather, our Heavenly angel, until we see each other again.