Heather Louise Peria

MADISON - Heather Louise Peria died peacefully at home on June 7, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Heather was born in Redwood City, Calif., on July 7, 1970, and grew up in Arlington and Brookline, Mass. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned degrees in history and education. Madison became Heather's home. She was a teacher at Mendota Elementary School and for more than 15 years taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade children. She was passionate about children's literature and went on to become a reading interventionist. She passed along her love of learning to students and colleagues, and to her own children. Heather loved to work on crafts such as making unique journals for her friends. Her crafts were an avenue to express her creativity, and also a way to share her art with friends. Heather was easy to connect with and encouraged others to talk about their lives. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family and friends. A private memorial gathering will be held later this month. In lieu of flowers, Heather requested memorial contributions go to the Foundation for Madison Public Schools, directed to Mendota Elementary School www.fmps.org/donate/?type=school. Heather leaves her beloved children, Tenita, Emma and Noah; her mother, Carol Vermeersch; stepfather, Ronald Vermeersch; her sister, Michelle Peria; and stepbrothers, Kevin, Andrew and Daniel Vermeersch. She also leaves her aunts, Elaine Flanigan and Sandra Finley; many cousins; her friends and colleagues at Mendota Elementary School; and many, many close and caring friends.