Deceased Classmate: Heather Atkinson
Date Deceased: 06-20-2009
Age at Death: 38
Cause of Death: Malignant Melanoma
Classmate City: Middleton
Classmate State: MA
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: Richard Mallozzi, husband Andre Mallozzi, son mother, stepfather (Judy and Jeff Thomas) father, stepmother (Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson) brothers David and Brian and their nieces and nephews

Heather was a true humanitarian who built communities and improved lives of those close by and far away. She gave of herself tremendously, serving in the Peace Corp in Nepal, as Town Planner for several communities notably Malta, NY (which has Heather to thank for those congestion-relieving and aesthetically pleasing roundabouts) and by adopting a baby in need of a loving home. She gave great joy to her family and friends, and despite the trials of her own health she was still able to create a better world for Guatemalan-born son, Andre, who she adopted in 2008. Heather was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma over a decade ago when she returned from Nepal. She and her then boyfriend, Rich, mobilized immediately, researching tirelessly until they found the best treatments available for Heather's condition. For a long time, Heather was a miracle case. She is a true hero. Despite a long and valiant fight the cancer metastasized beyond any treatment. For a long time Heather was a miracle case. Now, finally, she is out of pain, but her life remains a miracle. She was a true inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing her. We love you, Heather.