It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Adelheid “Heidi” Richards (nee Patzak Edwards), who passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born in Vienna, Austria, she left with her parents as they anticipated the outbreak of the Second World War. The family first settled in Victoria, BC, and later made their home in Vancouver. She began working in administration at the age of 16 and continued until her retirement with the BCGEU.

Heidi was a devoted mother and a strong advocate for mental health care transformation. She challenged any status quo that limited people because of race or health, and she believed deeply in what love in action required. A woman of faith, both formal and personal, she carried her convictions with quiet strength. She was known for her elegant style and her easy laugh. She loved the sun, farmer’s markets, desserts, reggae, and Mozart.

For more than 35 years, she walked daily in Vancouver’s West End, where she had once lived as a child and later returned. She often spoke of how much she valued the neighbourliness of Davie Village. Friendliness, respect and an acceptance of life’s hard times, pleasures and its small mercies mattered to Heidi.

She was married for eight years to the father of her three children, Rudolph Nicholas Richards. She is survived by her daughter Vanessa; her son Christopher and his children Trey, Chanel, and Aysha; and her beloved younger sister, Susi Berger of Vienna. She was predeceased by her son Adrian and her brother, John Patzak Edwards.

A celebration of life will be held on March 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser St, Vancouver.

In Lieu of Flowers:

Heidi was an advocate for mental health services and the dignity of people who were served by them. Her son Adrian first entered the mental health system at the age of 17. He was supported by many organizations and health care providers, including St Paul’s Hospital, Raincity Housing, PHS Community Services and the brilliant Vancouver Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team .

Adrian went into VGH Emergency on Christmas Eve and spent the next 7 days in the Intensive Care Unit in the hands of gifted nurses and doctors. Their service to him was extraordinary and remarkably kind, as it was each time he was admitted to VGH over the last 40+ years.

When Heidi went to Emergency twice in February, it was again evident the deep resource the ER plays in serving our elders and our most vulnerable.

We know many people have family members who need support, housing, and healthcare from hard-working and compassionate organizations. In memory of Heidi and her devotion to Adrian and mental health services for all, we ask you to consider making a donation to any mental health service organisation, like the ones mentioned above or to the Segal Family Health Centre with VGH and UBC Hospital Foundations to support the development of mental health initiatives.

Donate online at join.vghfoundation.ca/arichards, by calling 604.875.4676 or by mailed cheque made out to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation 190-855 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9 

Thank you from the Richards family:

Heidi, Rudy and June, Vanessa, Christopher, Trey, Chanel, Aysha.