Heather Joe-Anne Touchette

Heather was born and raised in the quiet community of Elm Creek, to parents Alice and Lawrence Nowakiewicz (Novak). She had two siblings, April and Mitchell.

Living in Elm Creek, Michel Touchette and Heather’s love flourished, and somehow Michel convinced her to get married in 1980. Together they raised 4 children: Danielle (Garth), Eugene (Charlee), Nicole (Kevin), and Pierre-Andre (Justine). The family lived in Carman, Winnipeg, La Salle, and Erin (Ontario) before putting down roots in their acreage just outside Portage La Prairie in 1996.

That's when Heather's passion for plants began to blossom. In a few short years, the property was transformed with many beautiful gardens. Of course, the next logical step was to open a greenhouse sharing her passion with others. Opening in 2000, Heather’s Hideaway Greenhouse served her fellow plant lovers for many years, adding colour to their lives and growing lifelong friendships. Nothing was too difficult for Heather to create, like her custom pots of colour, which became part of many wedding celebrations.

Plants quickly took second place when Heather became a grandmother, and Michel took third place. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, evidenced by the thousands and thousands of photos she took and shared with anyone she could. Grandma T. loved all her grandchildren: Jasper, Tayte, Logan, and Morley. She was (im)patiently awaiting her first grandson in June 2023. In recent years, Heather valued the time she spent traveling to see her grandchildren on Vancouver Island and Australia. Her love extended to her family pets – too many to list.

Heather was kind, caring and above all, selfless. She avoided the spotlight and preferred to elevate those around her. Her primary focus was always family. She was known for her Christmas Village, homemade wine and special family dinners. She had a special love for Canada’s East Coast.

As per Heather’s wishes, there will be no service. Please celebrate the way Heather would want by adding a flower pot for your deck. Love it, and every time you walk by, let it remind you of Heather and how much she enjoyed her plants. Heather will be smiling down on you, and remind you to water it.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Heather’s name to Assiniboine Zoo Polar Bear Rescue and Care Team at: assiniboinepark.ca/support/donate/polar-bear-rescue-and-care-team.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com