Obituary of Maria Margarida Heyler

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Margarida Heyler, who left us much too soon but peacefully on May 21st, 2023 at the Pete Moore Hospice House in Eugene, Oregon.

Born on August 1st, 1964 in Ponta Delgado, Sao Miguel, Portugal, and immigrating to the US in 1976, Maria lived an exciting life filled with love and dedication to her family.

Maria graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in San Jose, California in 1983. Maria became a mother to her first daughter, Taryn, in 1986 and then ventured from California to Eugene, Oregon the following year in a Volkswagen bus to continue to build a family in the Pacific Northwest. She was married to Thomas Heyler and had her second daughter, Amy, in 1988. Several years later, she studied court reporting at Lane Community College, but settled on a career in hospitality management. In 1993, Maria became a mother once again to her third daughter, McKenzie. Some of Maria’s favorite pastimes as a young mother were outdoor excursions with her family like jeeping, rafting, fishing, crabbing, and camping. She also had an affinity for true crime and cooking. In 2009, Maria was elated to start a new chapter in her life and welcome her first grandchild, Jaxon, into the world.

Maria was a devoted wife to her surviving husband, Sean Reid, since 2009. Maria is also survived by her three daughters: Taryn Heyler, Amy Heyler, and McKenzie Heyler. Maria helped raise her step-sons: Myles Davis, Gabe Davis, and Owen Davis. Anyone that knew Maria would tell you that Maria’s true and greatest joy of her life were her grandbabies: Jaxon, Camdyn, Henry, Lily, Avery, Malcolm, Madelyn, Lylah, and Sterling.

Maria is also survived by her siblings: Duarte Medeiros, Roberto Medeiros, Luisa Kohler, and Ricardo Medeiros. Maria is predeceased by her father, Joao Manuel soares de Medeiros, and mother, Maria Margarida simas de Almeida Rego Medeiros.

Some of Maria's greatest accomplishments were the loving relationships she nurtured and the lives she helped shape. Her amazing children and grandchildren are a true testament to the love and care she provided, and the impact of her positive influence will continue to resonate through future generations.

Maria's legacy extends beyond her immediate family, as she was a kind and generous soul whose spirit touched the lives of many who knew her.

One of the many values Maria shared with those who were fortunate enough to know her was her strong work ethic.

As we bid farewell to Maria Heyler, let us remember her as the kind and generous person that she was, and let her legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know her.

A Memorial for Maria Heyler will be located in Eugene at the Musgrove West Lawn location in Garden Mausoleum D, Row 31, Space 6.

A Celebration of Life for Maria Heyler is planned to take place on August 6th, 2023 from 1PM to 4PM at the F.M. Wilkins Shelter at Hendricks Park in Eugene, OR.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Maria’s Memorial, Celebration of Life, and ambulance/medical bills via https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-for-maria-heyler

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