Heather May Shockey-Barrett
June 24, 1967 ~ October 9, 2020
Our precious mother, Heather May Shockey-Barrett, 53, passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side, on Friday, October 9, 2020 after a brave battle with glioblastoma.
Heather grew up all around the world as part of a military family but called Virginia home. She spent summers with her father’s family in Loudoun County and grew to love animals of all sorts. Later, she graduated from Marymount University with a degree in biology and used that to launch her career as a Naturalist.
Heather was a wonderful mother. She devoted her life to making sure that her boys knew that they were loved. She was their strongest advocate and made sure that she was available whenever they needed her help. Her true joy in life was their happiness and she delighted in all of their accomplishments. Heather devoted her life to her sons and always put them and others before herself.
In recent years, Heather worked at Riverbend Nature Center as a Naturalist where she was well-known as “the Nature Lady.” That job suited her gentle spirit and allowed her to spend time in the great outdoors. Heather was never happier than when she was out in nature teaching people about the wonderful world of snakes, or spiders, or bees or really any other creature that ought to remain outside. Rather than dispatching an errant insect in her house, she was more likely to find it a lovely new home in the yard. She loved to teach her boys about the natural world and organized many neighborhood hikes to view bluebells and other local wonders.
Heather was an avid reader and would pass on her recommendations to her book club and friends whenever she came across something that was too good to miss. She was a devoted attendee of George Mason’s Fall for the Book and introduced many a friend to that event. Kind to all, and unassuming, Heather will be remembered as a fiercely loving mother, a true friend, and the ultimate example of compassion.
Heather is survived by her three sons, Ben, Peter and Rob Barrett, her sister Nicole Miniclier (Jeff Hughes) and brothers John Miniclier (Kimberly) and Andrew Miniclier (Stephanie). Also missing Heather are her father Jack Shockey, stepmother Patricia Shockey and stepfather LTC John Miniclier US Army Ret., Aunt Eleanor Matney (Bob), Aunt Joann Benson and Aunt Sonja Shockey. Her mother, Kathy Miniclier, preceded her in death in April 2020.
Please join us in celebrating Heather’s life at a funeral Mass at St. Marks Catholic Church in Vienna, VA on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 12:30pm.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org) or the Friends of Riverbend Park (http://forb.wildapricot.org).
Heather grew up all around the world as part of a military family but called Virginia home. She spent summers with her father’s family in Loudoun County and grew to love animals of all sorts. Later, she graduated from Marymount University with a degree in biology and used that to launch her career as a Naturalist.
Heather was a wonderful mother. She devoted her life to making sure that her boys knew that they were loved. She was their strongest advocate and made sure that she was available whenever they needed her help. Her true joy in life was their happiness and she delighted in all of their accomplishments. Heather devoted her life to her sons and always put them and others before herself.
In recent years, Heather worked at Riverbend Nature Center as a Naturalist where she was well-known as “the Nature Lady.” That job suited her gentle spirit and allowed her to spend time in the great outdoors. Heather was never happier than when she was out in nature teaching people about the wonderful world of snakes, or spiders, or bees or really any other creature that ought to remain outside. Rather than dispatching an errant insect in her house, she was more likely to find it a lovely new home in the yard. She loved to teach her boys about the natural world and organized many neighborhood hikes to view bluebells and other local wonders.
Heather was an avid reader and would pass on her recommendations to her book club and friends whenever she came across something that was too good to miss. She was a devoted attendee of George Mason’s Fall for the Book and introduced many a friend to that event. Kind to all, and unassuming, Heather will be remembered as a fiercely loving mother, a true friend, and the ultimate example of compassion.
Heather is survived by her three sons, Ben, Peter and Rob Barrett, her sister Nicole Miniclier (Jeff Hughes) and brothers John Miniclier (Kimberly) and Andrew Miniclier (Stephanie). Also missing Heather are her father Jack Shockey, stepmother Patricia Shockey and stepfather LTC John Miniclier US Army Ret., Aunt Eleanor Matney (Bob), Aunt Joann Benson and Aunt Sonja Shockey. Her mother, Kathy Miniclier, preceded her in death in April 2020.
Please join us in celebrating Heather’s life at a funeral Mass at St. Marks Catholic Church in Vienna, VA on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 12:30pm.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org) or the Friends of Riverbend Park (http://forb.wildapricot.org).
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I have such happy memories of Heather. We met soon after our first sons were born and spent much time together at playgroups, neighborhood socials, birthday parties and hikes. Heather was such a kind, sweet friend and devoted mother. Every spring, when the Virginia bluebells bloom, I will think of her. May she Rest In Peace.
We have been remembering the fun and joy Heather brought to the women and friends in Wayside. She will be missed and remembered. We are sending condolences to her family.
My big sister was one of the most genuine, compassionate, selfless people on this planet. She cared deeply about nature and worked for the park service in Northern Virginia for years, instilling a love for the natural world in children and adults alike. She was that spark for me, and introduced me to the serenity and peace to be found when alone in the outdoors. How there are hidden things in the quiet places. To appreciate an unexpected rainfall in the woods and how the rhythms of the world are a blessing and the missing part of something larger than all of us. She was 15 years older than me and took care of me when I was small. She traveled the world with my military family: had scars from being bitten by a dog in Saudi Arabia and went through awkward teenage years in Belgium navigating non native tongues and adolescence. Heather taught me about sisterhood and motherhood. She bought me STEM toys in the late 80s and early 90s, a quiet but staunch feminist when it was frowned upon in “polite circles.” Heather taught me about another side of womanhood, one that was not performative but strong, capable, and nurturing. She was a tomboy who loved horses, cats, snakes, and the outdoors. I remember being a little girl (6?7?) and spending the night in her DORM with her and how COOL that was. Heather was always generous with her time and her self. As a teenager, I watched her become a devoted mother to three boys. She seemed half marsupial to me for ten years, with small children strapped to her back or her front, showing them the world, the big, glorious world, while always keeping them safe. Heather was a wonderful mother to her three boys. Family meant everything to her. All my siblings came together over my mother’s diagnosis 4 years ago. Heather dedicated her free time to making memories with her and sharing laughs. She was an exceptional daughter. How can you encapsulate a life? A sibling’s life is one that you share intensely when your are young, and then everyone drifts off to form their own clans, reuniting for high holidays and losses. Heather and I talked intensely once mom received her diagnosis which almost perfectly coincided with my introduction to motherhood. And then a year ago, everything became silent. The location of her cancer in her brain was in her left prefrontal lobe. She could understand everything, but speech became difficult for her. It all became yes or no and that fountain of information, shared memories, love was just…untapped. Not gone, but it was like the spring had gone underground and it was rare to pull water from the well. We talked every week before her diagnosis. Even with time and distance, Heather is my beacon of kindness. Of what the best in human nature can be amidst this chaotic world. I love you, Heather.
The Rourkes had the great pleasure of a family tour of Riverside Park by the one and only Nature Lady. Heather made it a very special day for us, the bluebells performed well for her. What a gently spirit, and yes a beautiful and genuine lady. Our condolences to her family and many friends. Many prayers from the Rourkes.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Shockey, With deep regret we took notice of the passing away of your beloved daughter. We would like to wish both of you and the whole family lots of strength through these difficult times. May the fond memories you have of your beloved daughter bring peace in your hearts and comfort to your days. Sincerely, Management Tierra del Sol Master Association
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heather and I trained with Rita one day on driving the park’s tractor. For some reason, that day will always stick with me. I shared so many memories with Heather at work, so many conversations, laughs, and problem solving. I learned so much from her. My interpretive style and how I lead programs comes from Heather. I admired her so much. I wanted to be just like her. I absorbed everything she showed me like a sponge. I think of her every time I teach and ask myself, what would Heather do? I am forever thankful for all that she taught me with work and life. When I pass on the torch, I will always say “this is how Heather did it.. this is how she taught me”. And jumping back to the tractor training, I just thought it was amazing. Three women raking the fields on a tractor. Heather was always open to learning anything and everything. We will forever miss her presence here at Riverbend. I’m very lucky to have met her and known such a beautiful soul. -Valeria
Jack and Patricia and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Heather was a wonderful person and naturalist. With deepest sympathy.
For rooted peace, comforting shade, and a home for all woodland creatures. I love you always, sister.
Ben, Peter, Robbie and Family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please reach out if you need anything.
May the Lord bring His Peace which passeth all understanding to Heather and her family at this most difficult time. Ela & Mel Williams
Heather and I met in the fall of 1988 in college and became friends immediately. We were both biology majors and helped each other survive through many science and math classes. We had so much fun together during our college days. One of the first things I remember that we did together was go to DC to see the band The Dead Milkmen. We went to see bands in DC all the time. Heather drove to a lot of the shows because she was one of the few people that had her own car and I have to admit, her driving did scare us. After seeing the show that night, there was a group of us from school, we were looking for a place to eat in Arlington. There was a ‘Park Here’ sign on the sidewalk and next thing you know, Heather drives up on the sidewalk and proceeds to park in front of the sign….on the sidewalk! We all panic and ask her, “what are you doing?! There’s a cop right there!” and she points out the park here sign. She didn’t see the arrow pointing to the garage! Those late nights after shows, at 2am, if we went out to eat she always got waffles. We also spent lots of time together visiting all the nature centers we could find in the area. We hiked Old Rag and many other trails in the Shenandoah. She could name birds and their calls, and identify many types of plants. She did become a naturalist for Fairfax County Parks after college. There was a time she was on a nature walk with a group for work and someone pointed out what they thought was poison ivy and she politely told him it was not but he persisted it was. So to prove him wrong, she took the plant and rubbed it all over herself! If you went to her house, you could find all kinds of interesting things she collected to use at work. A collection of large beetles, snake skins, a large paper wasp hive in her apartment (she said since it was winter and she believed it was empty, it was ok). She had owl pellets that she wanted to dissect so she could see what it had eaten! There was a night I was supposed to stay over at her apartment. When I got there, she told me her snake wasn’t in the cage (I think that snake used to belong to her cousin but he had to give it away so she took it). The snake had been missing about five days and I wasn’t about to spend the night unless we found it so we searched everywhere and she found it in her t-shirt drawer. You could tell the snake didn’t want to be bothered and it was probably hungry but she picked it up, put it back in its cage, and put something heavy on the top because it was trying to get out again. Because of Heather, I know you measure a horse by hands. I know what poison ivy vines look like. I know a few frog calls. If I see a snake while I’m out, I’ll take a picture of it and send it to her to identify. Heather’s love for nature rubbed off on me. Not so much the love for snakes and spiders but being outdoors and enjoying nature. Heather met my family and I met hers. My parents loved her like a daughter. I stayed with her at her father’s cabin in Bryce during springtime to go on hikes and occasionally in the winter to go skiing. I went with Heather to visit her mom at Fort Monroe in 1990 during winter break. We would go to visit her Grandma Tinnie at the farm and go riding on the ATV or ride Heather’s horse Deacon. We loved watching movies together that made us cry. We loved eating Thai food, going to the Taste of DC, and going to museums. We loved riding roller coasters. It was at Busch Gardens Williamsburg near Big Ben she told me, if she ever had a son, she was going to name him Ben because she loved that name. I was a member of Heather’s wedding party and she was in my wedding while very pregnant with Benjamin. After having kids, and from the demands from work and parenting, it was hard for us to get together as often as we wanted. We would still talk on the phone for hours (which felt like minutes) catching up and try to get together when we could. She was like a sister to me. I love you and I will miss you my dear friend.
Beautiful words, Farida. So sad to lose such a good friend, sister, mother, daughter, nature lover, environmentalists. Words aren’t enough.
Farida, this is just beautiful. Thank you so much for posting. You were such a great friend to her!
Thank you Farida for sharing your great love For Heather
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
Dear Ben, Peter and Rob, Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Your mother was always such a beautiful spirit, kind and supportive.
As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of “Heather Shockey-Barrett”. Sending love and many prayers your way. B Etzel
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.