Heather Lynne Roman

Age 60, of Mount Lebanon, PA and Naples, FL, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2013, in the company of her family. Heather was born to Stanley and Rita Harms on November 17, 1953, and met her beloved husband Andrew (Andy) when they both attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. As an English and French major, Heather loved literature and applied its insights to her life. Heather's life was an illustration of Amy Tan's wisdom that "it's your belief in yourself that enables you to do what you wish." Her vivacious, effusive personality, her confidence and strength, and her kind and caring nature led her to great success and the love and admiration of many throughout her life.

Heather began her career in the corporate world, where she became the first part-time officer in the history of Pittsburgh National Bank (PNC). After leaving PNC, Heather was inspired by her love of international travel and her keen sense of style to begin importing giftware that gained immediate acclaim and coveted floor space at the New York International Gift Fair, Henri Bendel and other high-end retailers. But because Heather's priority remained her family, including her two daughters, she chose to sell the business and return her full-time attention to those she loved, focusing her remarkable energy and selfless ways on the well-being of her family, friends, and strangers.

Heather's greatest talent was her unparalleled ability to make others feel better and welcome them into her heart. She also challenged others to be at their best and strove herself to be a better person each day. Heather's belief in herself led her most recently to learn the art of warm glass and to express her artistic abilities through the creation of functional glass art that became a sought-after gift.

A quietly spiritual person, she gave God credit for many things that happened in her life. In one of those occasions, Heather was able, only by virtue of certain "coincidences" that amazed her, to successfully organize a Youth Mission Trip program to Charleston, SC that had been on the verge of cancellation. The program was so beloved by participants that it was repeated annually by St. Paul's Episcopal Church for many years. She also gave her time generously to many other causes and especially enjoyed her work supporting the annual fundraising efforts of the National Pancreas Foundation.

Heather's vibrant and thoughtful personality led many to admire her and see her as a source of inspiration. She courageously battled cancer for over three years, impressing all who knew what she was going through with her positive outlook and indomitable spirit.

Heather is survived by her husband, Andy, and her two daughters, Rebecca L. Roman Chueiri de Oliveira (Pedro) of São Paulo, Brazil, and Carolyn E. Starrett (Joshua), and one grandson, Lucas James Starrett, of Jacksonville, FL. She is also survived by her brothers, Mark Harms of Medellin, Colombia, and Craig Harms (Cal) of Wilmington, NC. Heather was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and dear friends.

The family will receive visitors at the William Slater II Funeral Service, (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Road, (Scott Twp) Pittsburgh PA 15220 on Sunday, December 1st from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Monday, December 2nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A Service of Celebration of Heather's life will take place at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1066 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Hillman Cancer Center, the National Pancreas Foundation, or a favorite cancer research charity. www.slaterfuneral.com