Heather Katz

It is with shattered hearts that we share news of the unexpected death of Heather A. Katz on March 13, 2025, following a sudden illness. Heather was a force of nature with a generous and kind soul. The beloved daughter of Ronald and Donna Katz of Shelton, CT, her childhood antics gave both of them prematurely gray hair. Heather was the baby sister of Tim Katz formerly of Shelton, CT and his wife Ana Maria "Tia" Katz now of Naples, FL and Jennifer (Katz) DiGregorio, also formerly of Shelton, CT and her partner Rob "Roberto" Healy now of Scituate, MA. She was the bonus sister of Darlene (Preiser) Pedarre and her husband Herb Pedarre of Pearl River, Louisiana and Tom Preiser and his wife Monique Preiser of Houston, Texas. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Ned DiGregorio. Heather was a rock star aunt to Olivia and Madeline Katz of Florida, Abby and Tess DiGregorio of Massachusetts, Drew and Ryan Healy of Massachusetts, Nicole (Preiser) Bender and Philip Bender of North Carolina, and Jolie Preiser of Texas. She could be counted on to walk the beach and swim in the ocean for hours when we gathered for our annual vacations together in The Outer Banks. She always said yes to another crazy ride or wild water slide at an amusement park. Heather fell in love with her partner, John Preiser, and the Florida vibe while attending Jacksonville University. Together for thirty years, they built an amazing life with a killer backyard oasis that was her true happy place. She adored her friends, her neighbors, and her colleagues and clients at Superstock where she dedicated her entire professional career to her work as a Graphic Design Researcher. Heather was a devoted dog mom to her English bulldog Weezie and her long-haired dachshund George (along with her sun conure, Jeffason, and her dogs, Buddy, Willis, and Bentley, who must be thrilled to reunite with her on the other side). She also leaves behind at least 500 pairs of black leggings. Our countless childhood memories are happy, hysterically funny and incredibly precious. From annual three-kid Halloween costume themes (including one where she bravely navigated an eagle's egg costume with questionable eye holes) to predawn trekking adventures with a flashlight to see Santa's deliveries under the Christmas tree to midnight sledding and rainy camping trips, Heather never turned down being part of the action. She was a fierce three sport varsity athlete, playing soccer, basketball and softball at Shelton High School. An 'under the radar' Scrabble champion, Heather completed every single USA Today crossword puzzle that landed on her lap (including the crap words that no one else could get). Her favorite times were spent drawing, doing DIY projects in her house and garden, enjoying cold beers, loving her pets, and watching professional football. Heather made "being a homebody" an art form. Our family is especially grateful for the compassionate and dedicated care from her medical team at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. In Heather's memory, please hug someone you love who is nearby and call someone you love who may not be. If your resources permit, please share with the Jacksonville Humane Society at 8464 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida 32216 in her name.