Heather Jean Northrop

GRAY, ME – Heather Jean Northrop, 50, a woman of profound kindness and adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, on February 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Over the past year, Heather faced a courageous battle with breast cancer, meeting every challenge with grace and strength. She was born on January 26, 1976, in Englewood, Colorado.

Heather was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and later earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. She dedicated her professional life to supporting others, practicing with Spurwink within the Lewiston-Auburn school systems. Her colleagues and students will remember her as a selfless advocate who always put the needs of others before her own.

Outside of her professional life, Heather lived with a vibrant energy that touched everyone she met. She was the undisputed heart of family celebrations, holding a deep affection for the magic of Christmas, the fun of Halloween, and the joy of birthdays. Her legendary, “incredible” birthday cakes were more than just treats; they became the centerpiece of family traditions and a testament to her creativity and love.

An adventurer at heart, Heather found her greatest sense of peace on the water. She was a constant, graceful presence at Ferry Beach, where she could most often be found navigating the waves on her paddleboard.

Heather’s life was further enriched by her deep bond with her partner, Troy. She adored him completely, and together they shared a love of travel and discovery, finding immense joy in exploring the world side-by-side. Above all, Heather was a loyal friend and a selfless soul who lived life to the fullest, always prioritizing the happiness of others.

To her beloved nieces and nephews, “Auntie Heather” was a source of endless fun and warmth; they cherished every moment spent in her company, and she, in turn, adored being a constant presence in their lives. Olivia, Hallie, Maddie, Connor, Aiden, Henry, Cameron, and Anna will miss her immensely.

Heather is survived by her devoted parents, John and Jean (Cashman) Northrop; her partner, Troy Dickhaut; her brother, John Northrop and his wife Laura of Beverly, MA; and her sisters, Wendy Northrop and partner Marco Talarico of West Des Moines, IA, and Sarah Keeley and husband Ben of Falmouth, ME. She also leaves behind her beloved aunts and uncles: James (Barbara) Northrop, John (Wendy) Cashman, Susan (Mark) Sperry, Rebecca (Stan) Blicharz, Rachel Northrop Keyser, and Naomi Northrop; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of wonderful friends.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the medical teams at New England Cancer Center, Dempsey Center, Northern Light Mercy Hospital, Maine Medical Center, and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their tireless efforts and compassionate care.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 300 Allen Ave, Portland, ME. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, beginning at 3:00 PM at the Elks Lodge, 1945 Congress St., Portland, ME. A private family burial will be held in Proctor, Vermont, later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Heather’s memory to the Dempsey Center, P.O. Box 227, Auburn, ME 04212.