Obituary of Heidi Jean Makarem

Heidi Makarem
January 11, 1952 – September 21st, 2024
Loving Wife, Mother, Sister, and Friend

Heidi Makarem, age 72, of New Hope, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 21st, 2024, in Minneapolis. Born on January 11, 1952, in Watertown, South Dakota, Heidi lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.

For 44 years, Heidi was the beloved wife of Mohamed Makarem. Together, they built a life in New Hope, where they raised two children, Lindsay and Marc. Heidi worked at North Ridge Child Daycare for 34 years, becoming a cherished figure to many. Known affectionately as “Heidi’s House,” the daycare was a second home to countless children, who continued to visit her well into adulthood. Heidi’s influence extended far beyond the daycare, as she remained a loving presence at high school graduations, weddings, and other significant life events of those she once cared for.

In her free time, Heidi found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished her long phone conversations with her sisters & friends, enjoyed walking for hours around New Hope chatting up any neighbor she would see along the way, and took great pride in her meticulously maintained 2001 Honda Civic, fondly named ‘Baby.’

In February 2023, Heidi was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. Her journey with it was nothing short of inspirational; each day was approached with grace, positivity, and an unyielding spirit. Heidi's strength and humor left a lasting impact on her healthcare providers, friends, and family, who often commented on her remarkable attitude. Heidi navigated the only way she knew how - with courage, embodying her trademark smile, love, and grace until the very end.

Heidi was a devoted mother and a guiding light to all who knew her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Heidi was preceded in death by: Her parents, June “Sam” Reul and Tom Reul; Her sister, Susan Reul; And her beloved pug, Petunia Makarem.

She is survived by: Her loving husband, Mohamed Makarem; Her son, Matt Whittemore, his wife Kirsten, and their son Harrison; Her daughter, Lindsay Makarem, her husband Paul Knopik; Her son, Marc Makarem, his wife Sarah, and their daughter Maeve; Her sister, Robin Morris, her husband Terry; Her sister, Lisa McGrann, her husband Pat, and their daughter Dani.

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Heidi’s memory to the American Brain Tumor Association or consider donating platelets – as they were an integral part of her journey.

Please join us as we honor and remember Heidi on Saturday, October 26th at 10:00 AM. The celebration will be held at Back Channel Brewing, located at 4787 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, MN. Please wear your brightest, most cheerful colors as we gather to share stories and celebrate Heidi.