Obituary of Heather Joy Skelton

SKELTON, Heather Joy (Nee Mackie) Passed away peacefully after a long, courageous journey with cervical cancer at home on Saturday, July 23rd, 2005, in her 61st year. Heather Joy, beloved mother of Jennifer and Kathryn, predeceased by her parents Gibson and Cyryla Mackie and her sister Frances Jean Matheson. While Heather Joy's life was cut short by cancer, she lived a full and accomplished life. Heather Joy graduated from Queen's University in 1965 with an honours degree in mathematics. Spending 21 years at IBM, she was considered a "female pioneer" for opening up new avenues for women in management. With her sister Fran, she co-founded The Omega Centre bookstore in Toronto, which centered around spirituality, personal growth and a holistic lifestyle. Heather also founded MoneyVision, a corporation that focused on assessing individuals' relationships with money. In 1995 she led and inspired the turn around of the financially challenged non-profit Youth Challenge International, an organization that involves youth in overseas environmental and development work. Heather was chosen as one of three "Women of Inspiration" by Chatelaine magazine in 1996. As a professional certified coach (Coach U, Newfield Network, and International Coach Federation), she worked with the McNeill Group in coaching corporate executives and later founded AliveWorks to specialize in coaching individuals who want to make changes in their lives in order to live their passion. Heather Joy has also been featured many times on television and radio in relation to her above ventures. Heather Joy has been and continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), on Tuesday between 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday between 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services to be held on Thursday 1 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Community Church (390 Bamburgh Circle, Scarborough, Warden south of Steeles). Reception to follow. Donations to Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Cancer Research Fund.