Heather Ann Gale

December 2nd, 1982 - October 25th, 2026

Heather Ann Gale, beloved wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and best friend “Irish goodbye’d” us Sunday, October 25, 2026.

For anyone looking at the dates, you might think she left us too soon, But the truth is; Heather burned so fierce and bright, that, with the price of gas these days…. She opted to go electric.

Born to Matthew Brian Gale (Hart, MI) and Lori Ann Powell (Quincy, IL), in Muskegon, MI on December 5th, 1982, she was the first child in what would become one of the most 90’s-tastic blended families.

After torturing her brother, Bradley Gale, for over a half of a decade, she then garnered two more siblings to lord over; Sarah Gale and Christopher Gale when Matthew married their mother, Cathy Gale. They then added another pea to this confusing pod, Johanna Gale. 🎵 and that’s how they became the Brady Bunch 🎵.

Growing up, Heather spent many of her summers and holidays in Illinois where she became a regular on the Amtrak train from Holland, MI down to Quincy IL, it was during those times she formed a life long bond with her cousin Melissa-Beth-George and her “Aunt moms” Cathy and Colleen. It was also there that, at age 16, she learned Jim Carry was not in fact trapped in a giant dome unknowingly making TV for the masses while also starring in “The Mask”. (Yes; she really thought “The Truman Show” was real). Although Heather faced many dumb-blond jokes growing up, she was anything but that.

Heather graduated with honors from Shelby High School (Shelby, MI) alongside her brother Chris in 2001. They had a joint open-house, wherein every guest partook in the most delicious enchilada casserole you’ve ever tasted. (this is one of those things you’ll just have to ask someone in the know about)

After graduation, Heather went on to pursue a career in early childhood education, she attended Westshore Community College and after receiving one of those degrees one needs to teach kids, she did just that. But it wasn’t her passion.

Heather’s passion was people in need. If you didn’t think you needed anything, she would find something you “needed” and then she would either provide it, or tell you exactly how to get it. There are far too many people to list, but Heather had a Rolodex of people she did just that for.

She was a medical first responder and spent many years as a volunteer for the Filer Township Fire Department, was the athletic director for Manistee Catholic Central for a time, taught preschool, and also spent 17 years working in adult in-home care for Moore Living Connections.

Heather found her happy place when she met the love of her life, her wife; Mary Jo Zadow. she moved to Kaleva, MI wherein she became the unofficial mayor of Chief Lake and ‘mom’ to their first fur baby, Baily Jo. There wasn’t a neighbor in a five mile radius who didn’t receive some sort of neighborly love from Heather. Her presence will be deeply missed in those parts.

For the last four years, Heather has dedicated her life to the care of her mother-in-law Maxine, who proceeded her in death on September 15th of this year.

Heather was an expert at forming her family units wherever she went, because of that, it makes writing something like this difficult: But I hope it’s been made clear that Heather loved. Heather loved hard. And if she wasn’t loving; she was laughing. To know her was to love her and to love her was to never have the opportunity to get off the phone in less than twenty minutes.

She leaves behind her cherished wife, Mary Jo Zadow; her parents, Matthew & Cathy Gale; and mother, Lori Powell; her grandpa, Bob Powell, sister, Sarah (Blue); brother’s, Chris (Rose) and Bradley (Brandon); nephews, Gus and Ozzy; and great nieces, Adeline and Lorelei (goddaughter); And of course, her newest fur-child, Gracie Sue. Pray for Mary Jo.

Heather is preceded in death by: her grandparents, Robert and Karen Oberlin and Douglas and Thelma Gale; grandmother, Marylin Rose Powell; sister, Johana Grace Gale; mother-in-law, Maxine Miller; and fur-son, Baily Jo.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of any cards or flowers, we ask that if you feel compelled, please make a donation in Heather’s name to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. https://corewellhealth.org/foundation/west/helen-devos-childrens-hospital

Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manistee, is in charge of arrangements.

www.oakgrovefh.com