June 1, 1981 – March 13, 2026
It is with broken hearts that we share that Heather passed away peacefully after a courageous three-year battle with stage IV breast cancer.
Beloved wife of Shane Sareli (Austin) for 15 loving years. Survived by their daughter Quinn (11), her mother Patty Dale of Seaforth her sisters Sandra (Jason) of Clinton, and Joanne (Greg) of Seaforth. Predeceased by her father Harvey Dale (2021). Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, aunts uncles and the extended Sareli family.
Heather was a girl from small town Seaforth with big plans. She wanted to see the world, live in great cities, and experience everything she could. She studied Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Guelph, and then did what a lot of people talk about but few actually do — she moved across the Atlantic to London, where she earned a graduate degree in International Relations. She was twenty-something, living abroad, and building a life on her own terms. That was Heather. After London, she set out to find her next city. She visited San Francisco, and — in classic Heather fashion — fell in love with it almost immediately. She also happened to meet a man named Shane Sareli. They had an instant connection, and what started as a visit became a life. She landed a job at Sugar Publishing, a fast-growing startup in digital media, where her curiosity and energy were a perfect fit. She covered international tech launches, appeared on television, and threw herself into the world of journalism and storytelling. Then, in 2011, she visited Austin, Texas. Within days — because this is how Heather made decisions — she fell in love with the city and its people, and they made plans to move after their wedding. Austin became home. Here she followed another passion: cooking. She attended the Epicurean culinary school and trained as a certified plant-based chef at one of only two such programs in the country at the time. In Austin, she and Shane bought a house, and she found her next great love — a French Bulldog named Winnie, later joined by Natty. Heather was a devoted animal lover who gave her time and heart to causes like Austin Pets Alive. If you ever walked down the street with her, you already know — she stopped for every dog. In 2014, Heather became a mother. Quinn was the center of her world from that moment on. She spent her years rooted in Austin with summers back in Canada, building deep and lasting friendships, traveling with the people she loved, and filling her life — and the lives of everyone around her — with warmth, curiosity, laughter, and connection.
Heather faced her illness the same way she lived her life — with bravery, curiosity, and an open heart. One of her favorite quotes was, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” Heather truly lived that way. She believed life was meant to be lived fully, honestly, and bravely, even when it meant being vulnerable.
She had a rare gift for connecting with people. Heather was deeply empathetic and endlessly curious about everyone she met. Whether with lifelong friends or someone she had just encountered, she had a way of making people feel seen and cared for. Even during her hardest days in the hospital, she was often the one looking after the nurses and asking about their lives before talking about herself.
Throughout the past three years Heather showed all of us what courage looks like. She faced an unimaginably difficult journey with grace, honesty, and a determination to keep living fully.
We are heartbroken to lose her, but profoundly grateful for the love she gave so freely and the impact she had on so many lives. Heather will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life to remember and honour Heather at the Grand Bend Stirling Sands Vineyard (formerly Dark Horse Winery), 70665 B Line, GRAND BEND on Thursday July 30th from 4 – 8 PM, with words of remembrance at 6 PM.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Gwen Hugill
Sending love and prayers to all. Her life was short but she lived it to the fullest.
Love and prayers
Gwen Hugill and family
Karen Young
Patti, Sandra, Joanne, Shane and Quinn and families. So sorry to hear about Heather’s passing. Sounds like she lived her best life while she was here. She will be missed terribly by all who loved her. Hold on to your memories.
Karen and Kevin Young
Joy Ross
Dear Patty, Sandra, Joanne and Shane and daughter Quinn, my heart breaks to hear Heather has passed away, what a great write up on her memorial, had so much to live for, my deepest sympathy to you all, remember her many years you had with her, Patty you and Harvey raised 3 amazing daughters, keep Heather’s memory alive in your hearts, RIP Heather 🙏
Judy Jansen
Patti, Sandra and Joanne – So sorry to hear about Heather. I have many fond memories of coaching Heather and Joanne in ringette. Heather always had a smile and was a friend to everyone. Sounds like she lived life to the fullest. I also feel for her husband and daughter. Cherish the memories, sending you all the biggest hug.
Carolanne Doig
My heartfelt condolences to Patty, Joanne, and Sandra and all the family. What a lovely tribute to your beautiful daughter and sister. One of Harvey’s pride and joy. So sorry to hear this news.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Patty, Sandra, Joanne, family and friends
So sorry to learn of Heather’s passing. A very lovely eulogy.
Our condolences to all.
May your memories bring you comfort in the future.
Jean Dale
Shane Quinn and all the Dale Family
Please except my sincere condolences as I remember Heather from her high school days. Always a free spirit and lovely girl, with things to do, and places to be
Susan & Bill Garrick
Dear Dale family, we send our deepest condolences for such a great loss. Heather had an amazing life and I know she will be deeply missed. Hugs to all,may she rest in eternal peace.
Paul and Joan Spittal
Our family send our condolences to Shane, Quinn and all the Dale family.
Trudy Groothuis
What a full and meaningful life Heather created. My heart breaks for you, Patti, Sandra, Joanne, Shane and cherished daughter Quinn. May the many happy memories console you in the days, months and years to come.
Ryan and Kathy Willis
Ryan and I are quite sadden with the lost of Heather. Although we hadn’t seen her in many years she grew up beside us on Market St. All of Patti and Harvey girls were and still are thought of often. I still remember the day when little Heather had to come over to see the baby (Ryan). Such a beautiful lady gone way too early. Thinking of all of Dale family at this time and always. Heather may rest in peace now and be with her Dad in heaven. Missing Harvey too he was so good and kind to us. Those girls made my aunt smile so much when they came trick or treating on halloween. Always in both our hearts Heather.
Joanne Holland
I am so sad to hear of Heather’s passing. It sounds like she lived life to the fullest and was a precious gift to all who knew her. My sincere condolences to Patti, Sandra, Joanne, and her husband and daughter. I hope all your beautiful memories help you through this difficult time. 🌹
Edie and Laurence Taylor
We didn’t know Heather, but Knew her Family from great roots! We heard a lot about her and parents were close by. A lot like her dad so friendly, and pushed on in life. I Admire her courage.
So sorry