Who Heather was
Heather Lynn Rensberry was born in Alpena on April 7, 1986, and made her home there. She passed away on March 28, 2021, at the age of 34.
Her published obituary remembers the things she enjoyed:
- Playing hockey as a goalie
- Coaching hockey
- Cooking
- Grilling
- Creative arts
- Gardening
In the crease
Heather played goal in a local adult coed tournament, and in the tournament’s first year she was the winning goalie and its MVP. In 2023, The Alpena News reported that she played with heart and without fear, and that you could tell from her smile on the ice that she was right where she wanted to be.
The same report described someone who lifted up the people around her. Encouraging others came naturally to her, and helping new goalies, young and old, was one of her favorite things. The report also noted that she counted her hockey community as one of the two families in her life.
After Heather passed away in 2021, the tournament was dedicated to her and to her love of the game.
How her memory shapes the work
The foundation does not try to speak for Heather. It tries to continue the kind of thing she was remembered for doing.
Goalies
Heather played goal and loved helping new goalies. Goaltender development is a central focus.
Teaching
She coached and encouraged others. The foundation supports chances for young players to learn and improve.
Belonging
She found a second family in hockey. The foundation helps more kids find a place in the local game.
Every young player who gets their first pair of skates that fit, or their first real lesson in the crease, is part of how the community remembers her.
A note on what is shared here
This page includes only information that has been published in public sources, listed below. It does not include private family details, personal photographs or quotations that have not been publicly shared. If you knew Heather and see something that should be corrected, please contact the foundation.