Heather Louise Smolowyk (Foley), 53, passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Heather was the devoted wife of Marco and the proud, beloved mother of Ryan (21) and Andrew (18). She was the cherished daughter of Lois and the late Geoffrey Foley; treasured sister of Andy (Heather) and Nick; and a loving aunt to Jack (14) and Evelyn (8). She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Heather and Lucy (Tom); her dear aunts and uncle, Jane (Richard), Rosemary, Nancy (Ed), Cecelia, and James; and a wide circle of extended family and friends.
Heather was born in Abington, PA, in 1972. She moved to Fairport, NY in 1977, where she attended school, built her career, and raised her family. She graduated from Fairport High School in 1990 and went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology from Penn State in 1993, followed by an M.S. and C.A.S. in School Psychology from RIT, and later a Master of Library Science from the University at Buffalo. Heather and Marco married in 2003, and together welcomed Ryan in 2004 and Andrew in 2007, beginning a chapter of family life that brought her profound joy.
After starting her career as a school psychologist in the Greece Central School District, Heather found her professional home as the school librarian at Minerva DeLand 9th Grade School in Fairport. There, she shared her love of books, curiosity, and thoughtful presence with students and colleagues alike. Stepping away from this work following her diagnosis last year was a decision made with a heavy heart, as she truly cherished the community and friendships she found there.
Among her many interests, Heather loved to travel. From an early age, she made regular trips to visit extended family in England and Manhasset, NY, and later delighted in exploring new places with her husband and sons. Heather also found happiness in life’s everyday pleasures: a quiet cup of tea (often with a sweet treat), good music, word games, long conversations, easy laughter, and memorable meals shared with the people she loved.
Throughout her life, Heather embraced many meaningful roles—student, school psychologist, school librarian, friend, and wife—but the role she cherished most was being a mother. She found her greatest joy in building a loving home with Marco and in watching Ryan and Andrew grow from small children into boys and then into young men. Her love for her family was the center of her life, and it lives on in them as her enduring legacy.
Remembered for her warmth, compassion, generosity, and gentle spirit, Heather will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family and by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, quiet strength, and thoughtful listening ear leave an indelible imprint on every heart she touched.
Calling hours will be held on February 13, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt location), 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral service will take place on February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Christ Church, 36 South Main Street, Pittsford. Although Heather loved flowers, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute or a charity of your choice.
19 responses to “Smolowyk, Heather Foley”
Cara dolce Heather, grazie per aver fatto parte della nostra famiglia. Hai reso felice il tuo amato marito Marco donandogli 2 splendidi gioielli.Ora insieme agli angeli dai la forza necessaria ai tuoi amori affinché possano trovare un po’ di pace.
Mancherai a tutti dolce Heather 💔
Marco and family we are sending our condolences and love.
Love Zia Josephine Quaranta and Rob and Amalia Rivet.
I worked with Heather at Arcadia High School..a few of us went out together many Friday nights before she met Marco. Even though we were out of touch, I have thought of her often..I bumped into her at Costco last year, and we reconnected. I am truly saddened by her passing and hope her sons remember how much she loved them. She will be truly missed:(
Heather, you were a class act! Selfless, honorable, thoughtful, grateful, kind, smart, authentic and humble. Your light will always shine brightly. My life was enhanced by the presence of yours in it! The world needs more people like you in it! Sincere condolences Marco, Andrew and Ryan.
To Heather’s family: I will always remember her as a kind soul who listened more than she talked and showed love and care for friends and family. She will be deeply missed.
No words can capture the loss of such a wonderful person. Heather brought so much passion and love to this world. While she will be missed, that love and passion will live on in her boys and countless students she inspired. Deepest condolences Marco, Andrew, and Ryan.
I just wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the Smolowyk family. Marco, Ryan, Andrew, I cannot imagine your pain, or the strength you have as a family. Heather brought sunshine to everybody she met.
I read the below poem and thought of you all.
Miss Me Most, by Donna Ashworth:
When you feel you are without me
close your eyes
sink down beneath your skin
retreat within
I am the blood that flows
I am the courage in your gut that grows
I am the chamber in your heart
that feels like home
I am the seed from which your life
was proudly grown
only my body has flown
me, I dwell still
within your bones
my voice, and all the good
I have ever known
is yours to own
when you feel you are without me
listen close
I whisper louder
when you miss me most
Sending thoughts and prayers to you all from England.
Alison
Heather was my favorite part of teaching at Minerva. She was a kind colleague, an informed reader, and a proud mom. Ryan and Andrew, you are every bit as amazing as your mom always said you are.. my heart goes out t you and your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Señora
Dear Smolowyk family,
My deepest sympathies to your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I had Ryan in my 4th grade class many years ago. I was so sorry to hear of your loss! I will be praying for peace and comfort for you all.
Mrs. Kristin Rimes
Dear Smolowyk family,
I am so sorry that you have to go through this terrible loss of such a bright and caring woman.
I met Heather when I traveled between school buildings, teaching one English class at Minerva. Heather was so lovely and accommodating in supporting my class of students; she welcomed me and the students with friendly arms.
I wish all of you peace and comfort.
Sarah Farrelman
Dear Marco, Ryan,Andrew and family,
Heather was a beautiful woman, she touched lives simply by being herself, gentle, kind, generous and full of love.
She was taken far too soon and will be sadly missed so much but her love will always remain in those who were lucky enough to know her, especially her family.
Sending our deepest sympathy.
Rest peacefully Heather.
All our love the Gill family
Marco, Ryan and Andrew. We just heard the news of Heather passing. We are all so sorry and heartbroken for your family. She was a special person, and we all feel lucky to have known her and spent time with her when. There is no doubt how much she loved all of you. She will remain in our memories. You will all be in our thoughts.
Love,
The Albanese family
Marco, Ryan, Andrew, Lois,
I have sooooo many wonderful memories of the years that Heather and I spent together. There isn’t an easy way to put it into words. She was the kindest, gentlest, year still strong woman I have known. You guys hit the jackpot!! I am always here if you want a funny story or just a break from the world! Love to you all.
Sara Micheluccis
I always thought of Heather as a woman of substance. I feel privileged to have crossed paths with her in the journey of life. I will always remember her kind and infectious smile, at times mischievous when she and my daughter Sara hung out with their friends. My heart goes to her family. Too short of a life, but incredible love left behind that will flourish forever.
Marco, Andrew, and Ryan.
Heather was the most kind, thoughtful person I knew. She loves you all more than anything and I see her in each of you. Her memories and laughter will always be heard. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Tom Caputo
Dear Marco, Ryan, Andrew and family, sending you love always.
Heather was a beautiful woman inside and out. She had a gentleness so rarely found and saw the best in everything and everyone. We will be forever grateful for the shared memories that will never be forgotten.
Forever in our hearts sweetie x
Love from the Zander family x
I had the honor of working with Heather at Greece Apollo Middle School. She exuded grace, love and compassion, with an understated enthusiasm for her work as a school psychologist.
I’m blessed to have known her.
So very sorry for your loss.
I had the pleasure of working with Heather at Apollo Middle School in Greece. Heather always was a gentle, caring professional and had a smile for everyone. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.
Heather has been a gift to us all. I thank God for the privilege and blessing of calling each other friend for the last twenty years. I will miss her easy laugh and sunny spirit, her wisdom and gentle kindness. She was the best daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and niece to her big family spread across the world. And the best wife and mother to their “little” family of four. Heather raised two extraordinary people in sons, Ryan and Andrew, who will carry her genuine love and grace forever. ❤️ See you again in heaven