Obituary of Heidi Nicole Appleton

Heidi Nicole Appleton, 27, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5th due to cardiac complications, with her loving parents by her side. Heidi was born in Hartford, CT on April 1, 1994. Though small in stature, “Mighty Heidi”, was known for her fighting spirit. She faced numerous medical challenges related to DiGeorge Syndrome with resolve, determination, and grace beyond her years.

Beloved by her family and friends, Heidi cherished being dockside with her grandparents and cousins at the Vermont lake house or walking the beach in Sea Island, Georgia. Heidi’s wit kept everyone smiling.  She made lifelong friends along the way specifically through the Best Buddies program at Eastern Connecticut State University, and at Manchester Community College. We would especially like to acknowledge Brielan, Kate, Sarah, Casey, and Anna who not only encouraged, but supported new experiences that gave her confidence and a robust social calendar.

While she was less than enthusiastic with her nickname “The Little Chef”, Heidi was an avid cook. She loved to plan a good meal and share it with family. She graduated from RHAM High School in 2013 and had completed coursework for her Associate’s Degree at Manchester Community College in Food Service Management. Her passion for cooking carried on outside the classroom as she worked several summers at Camp Horizons preparing meals for special needs campers. Her impact on those around her was profound. She will forever be remembered for her deep kindness, simple honesty, and authentic advocacy for others with special needs.

Heidi loved Disney and was a Harry Potter enthusiast; a self-proclaimed Hufflepuff. Perhaps it was the whimsy and magic she could most relate to as she embodied it herself. She reveled in the simple pleasures of a good iced drink and the quest for the perfect spaghetti and sausage recipe. Young children and animals were drawn to her gentle, fun, and kind spirit. Her cats Ollie, Harry, and Lizzie will especially miss her presence but are grateful for her depth of love and constant attention.

Heidi is survived by her parents Yvonne Bolton and Michael Appleton, her sisters Mallory and Janine, grandparents Pat Appleton and Margret and Bill Sovey, Aunts and Uncles: Kevin and Pam Appleton, Fred and Julia Gabriele, Paul and Caitlin Appleton, John and Patti Bolton, Mike and Kristin Bolton and cousins: Will, Tom, Tyler, Monika, Emily, James, Liam, Johnny, Kyle, Katie, Victoria, and Christian. She will be joining her grandfathers, Fred Appleton and Ed Bolton in Heaven.

Heidi was one of a kind and we will always admire the confidence she carried throughout her life. Our sweet Heidi Pie will be missed terribly. The family wishes to thank the many doctors and health care workers who assisted with her care throughout her short life, particularly Dr. Diana, Dr. Upadhyay (Dr. Shai), ,Whitney Fairchild APRN, Dr. Orsey, Dr. Pfulwani, along with the caring and committed staff at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Camp Horizons, the Best Buddies program, the CT Humane Society, the CT Children’s Medical Center, and Boston Children’s Hospital.  

Calling hours and Celebration of Life for all will take place in the spring near her birthday weekend. Details will be forthcoming. We invite you to visit and contribute to the online memory board created as a forum to share pictures, memories and messages to Heidi. The link is: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/88h8GT6Z#view.