HEIDI PAINTER

February 13, 2026

Heidi Painter of Kincardine died peacefully, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at the age of 85, after a brief illness. Now reunited with the love of her life, her husband of 33 years, Larry, who died in 1998. Survived by her daughter, Jodi Mallette, and Jodi’s husband of 35 years, Mike, whom Heidi lovingly called her son. Also survived by her sister-in-law, Sandra Ebert; and her dear friend of 74 years, Florence Ritchie, whose lifelong bond brought her great comfort and joy. Predeceased by her parents, Rosa and Hugo Ebert; her brother, Helmut (Hal) Ebert; and her cousin, Manfred Furs. Heidi dedicated 37 years of her career to Ford Motor Company Canada, working at the Windsor Export Supply. She later served as past-president of the Windsor Office Retirees Association and proudly chaired the annual retirees’ barbecue at the Leamington Marina for many years. She cherished the chance to reconnect, reminisce, and keep those friendships alive. She also served on the board of the Rendezvous South Townhomes Homeowners Association, where she built lasting friendships and contributed to a warm, supportive neighbourhood community. Through one of those friendships, she began volunteering with the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association and it became a charity dear to her heart. Heidi had a deep love of travel — cruising to Alaska, the Mediterranean, and across the Atlantic. Her favourite adventure was the VIA Rail trip across Canada, a journey she spoke of often and fondly. She enjoyed books, playing cards, and tending to her garden. An excellent cook, she was known for her many specialties, especially her treasured German recipes, which will be dearly missed by all who gathered at her table. In her later years, Heidi was blessed to spend five cherished years living in Kincardine with Jodi, Mike, and Lexi. She loved being embraced by the extended Mallette family — Derek, Shelby, Ryan, Courtney, Logan, and Cheyenne — who made her feel deeply included and loved. Heidi will be laid to rest with her beloved Larry, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Oldcastle, Ontario. Interment will take place at a future date. Her kindness, strength, and gentle presence will be forever remembered by those who loved her. Should you wish to make a donation in Heidi’s memory, she would appreciate support of the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association: https://donate.mytributegift.org/?cid=6a91aac0a69a318d0a4d6c94eb9d7ccda494a60cc9575f37b9e178d9c8461f54&fh=FRP-15808&fp=158086806ebe6ffd489a7ea09392a1510.