hey, my sympathy to my cousin bethy’s sister-in-law…. i know this is late, but i give all my deepest sympathy to u guys over heathers death. she was 2 young to die…. shes in a better place, bethy, visiting your aunt becky…..i grieve with u….

Kappesser and DiGuardi family and friends,
My deepest sympathy is felt for you, my prayers and thought are with you that Heather’s memories will always be…..

Emma Swatman

Dear Family,

I was so saddened to hear of Heather’s passing.  I had played as Heather’s partner in several golf tournaments and always enjoyed her company.  Everyone knows that she was a very kind and mentoring person but this story that I am about to share really tickled me:
We were on the 18th hole at the Berkleigh CC (then a par 5). We both hit our second shot, her’s with the infamous 5 wood and me with my 3.  She said to the group we were playing with: "hey you don’t mind if my partner hits her second shot for practice with my 5 wood do you?"  Allowing me that opportunity and her intentions well perceived, she told me to take her bag and clubs home and play with them for a week or more.  Startled by her offer, I accepted.  Within a week, thanks to her acute eye, I was not only playing with a new 5 wood…she custom fitted me with an entire set of Callaway clubs!  Thanks Heather; I’ll always remember you when I take a swing!
My deepest condolences,
Denise Zerby

Our deepest sympathy and love. Heather will be greatly missed. Joe, you your families are in out thoughts and prayers.
– Dan and Melissa Kilgore

Kitty, Chip and Joe:

I was incredibly sad to hear about Heather.  Although we hadn’t seen each other since high school, I’ve come across many fun, memorable photos of Heather and I in the many sports we played together.  She was a class act and a phenomenal athlete and I am grateful to have known her.  I’m sending you my love and prayers.

Jodi Randall-Ogle
Manheim Township Class of ’91
Currently resides in Dallas, Texas

Our hearts go out to you with the loss of Heather. She was one of those special people who could single-handedly light up a room. Her encouragement went a long way towards introducing my wife to the game of golf, and her  smile and friendly teasing brightened many a day for us. We will miss her, but her spirit and enthusiasm will be remembered forever. She obviously touched the lives of many in a similar way during her relatively short time on earth. God bless and comfort all who were close to her.

Bob and Deloris Hofmann
Leola

I was so saddened to hear of Heather’s passing.  May the memories you have of her sustain you through this difficult time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shari Mueller

Dear Kappesser-Diguardi Families,

My family and I send our thoughts and prayers to you during this time. Heather was such a beautiful person full of laughter. And as tiny as she was, she could crush a softball and a golf ball. I will be thankful for the memories of her as a teammate at GMU as well as at OC. What a great girl.

Love,
Billie (on behalf of the entire Sims family)

I am so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet Heather by playing field hockey with her. She always had a funny story to share. Let the fond memories you have help you all through this difficult time.
Thinking of you all.
Dana Kemper

Dear Joe and Family,

My deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Racquel Readinger

Dear Kappesser Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. I was a field hockey teammate of Heather’s at Manheim Township, and I remember her as an incredible athlete, and – perhaps most notably – as a stellar sportswoman and friend. On the field, she was forever encouraging and determined…yet always having fun doing something that she truly loved. She certainly touched the hearts of all that she met. Please know that my blessings are with you and Heather’s husband at this time.
Warmest regards,
Katie Doyle Myers

My deepest condolences to all of the family.  Heather was a GREAT person and a friend to many.  She will be extremely missed. My prayers are with you all.

Jim Blauvelt

To the Kappesser & DiGuardi Family: My sincerest condolences on the passing of Heather. I met Heather through the Lancaster Ladies City County Golf Association and had the privilege of playing with her and sharing many laughs on the golf course. What a tremendous void she will leave at our events. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Brenda Acker

Apart from Chip & Heather, I’m not sure there are any other friends who are still in my life today that I’ve known for almost 40 years.  This is going to be a long post, but I want to share a few of my memories:

My first is of Heather being the ‘new’ kid at CCC Jr Golf.  She must have been like 5 or 6 and I was around 10.  I remember her being so little that her golf bag was bigger than she was.  And contrary to what she’s told people over the years, I did NOT teach her how to cheat – I simply passed along the speed of play strategy of skipping around holes to bypass the slower playing boys (like her brother).
 
As an adult, Heather was always the most fun/most relaxed/unstuffy Ladies Golfer that ever was.  She was obviously a fantastic golfer, always very willing to share her tips of the trade to help us all when we asked.  And the social Wine & 9’s at Foxchase were legendary thanks to Heather discovering that a wine bottle fits perfectly into the cart’s holder for what I call "schmuhtz" (the divot repair dirt stuff).

And thanks to the many wedding favors that I stashed in my purse on August 23, 2008 – I’ve been able to donate "Heather & Joe" golf balls to the woods, ponds, and creeks of golf courses all up and down the entire East Coast. (you’re welcome). 

As an adult playing field hockey with both of them – I remember the crazy uniforms they came up with one year.  They put all the numbers on the backs in different colors, upside down, backwards. We were all proud to wear them and with Heather as our center forward and Joe in the cage, we were a tough old team to beat.  But on the odd occasion when Joe/Heather weren’t able to make it, we typically got our butts handed to us by the 16 year olds.  Ahh yes . . . the memories.  Good times.

A few years after that we used left over shirts from Chip’s men’s soccer club and we created our own acronym for the "JCFC" in JCFC Apostoludicrous.

Lastly – I’ll cherish the day we spent together at the dog park and the night out at Tobias just a few short weeks ago:  her energetic smile and charisma and the warmth of her funny stories, talking so fast I could barely keep up, same as always.  I hope she’s up there enjoying a dirty martini – extra dirty.  Cheers Heather, you will be missed.  Say Hi to your Dad for us – 

Your friend, Kathi Twiford Graham.

Dear Family,
I played softball (Salted Nuts) with Heather in Jr High.  She always had a smile on her face and there was always a lot of laughter! She was a wonderful friend to all and a tremendous athlete. Thoughts & Prayers to your family!
Sincerely,
Candi Sauder King
MT/ Lanc. Mennonite Class ’92

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Joe, Kitty, Chip & Family and friends on the loss of Heather who touched so many with her bubbly personality and love of life.

We first met Heather at the Mixed tournament many years ago. We were trying to find a table after the round and we heard laughter and Danny knew Milt and there was Heather telling some story and Milt teasing that he used to change her diapers.  I liked her instantly and we somehow developed a friendship over the years and I was fortunate enough to be her partner in several tournaments. Whether we played well or not, we always laughed and kept on playing. Loved her crazy headcovers, fingernail polish and never worried when she showed up 2 minutes before tee time. Her first drive would be right down the middle and off we would go.

She loved her family, friends and golf and field hockey and we couldn’t help but love her, too. Rest in peace our dear friend and thank you for being you.

Danny & Joyce (Herr) Scheurich

I was a softball and field hockey teammate of Heather’s at MTHS. I always looked up to her and I know that she inspired many other teammates, too. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Warm regards,
Polly Doyle Moriarty

Chip and family,

Heather was a gem who knew how to brighten a day.

Her grace, friendliness, and warmth always made it a joy to enter the Foxchase pro shop when she was present.  We’ll all miss her.

Mike L.

Kitty, Chip and family:

Our hearts are broken to hear this news.  We so loved Heather and know that she is now with her Daddy and son in Heaven.  Please know that your H&B extended family is praying for you all and we love you.
God bless you one and all.
Vickie Boisseau & the H&B family.

Charlie & I are so sorry for the passing of Heather. While I had met her only a few times at Beth & Chips home for family events….I will forever remember how comfortable she made me feel. As someone stated earlier, "not stuffy" & very down to earth…the kind of person we all want to be around!
Sorry for your loss!
Charlie Corby Jr. & Lisa Riggleman

Heather was such an inspiration to all of us, both on and off the golf course. She taught all of us how to live life to the fullest and not to hold back. Her laughter and smile will be felt throughout the golf courses throughout the area. Her spirit will forever live on.

God Bless,
Sarah Bejgrowicz

Dear Kappresser-DiGuardi families,

So sorry to hear of Heather’s Passing. I knew her through golf @ Foxchase & WBCGA. Heather always had a smile on her face & ready to help you in anyway she could. She will be missed.
May the love of friends and family help you through this difficult time.
You all have my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Carol Jones

KITTY,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAUGHTER. WAY TOOOOOO YOUNG! YOUR FAMILY NOW HAS  A SPECIAL ANGEL TO WATCH OVER ALL OF YOU. I CAN’T EVEN IMAGINE THE PAIN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. PLEASE CALL ME ON YOUR NEXT TRIP TO KY. OE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE IT……..SEND ME AN E-MAIL.
BARBARA EDELEN

I just found out about Heathers passing and wanted to tell Chip and the family how sorry I was to hear the news by the Fox Chase News letter. I liked Heather and just keep thinking about her . So sorry .
Sincerely,
Suzanne Mohler

I only had the pleasure of knowing Heather my senior year but in that time I met an amazing person with a spirit like no other.  While navigating the waters of pending adulthood and Township halls was not always an easy task, Heather’s smile and friendly spirit always made the day a little bit brighter.  Upon hearing of her passing by a mutual friend my heart sank, for the world lost a truly wonderful person.

Adam Frederick

We would like to extend our love and prayers to your entire family. May the prayers of others help comfort you during this difficult time. With all of our love and sympathy,
Jennifer (Frey) Cochran and family, MTHS 1990

We are so very sorry for your loss. Heather was such a positive personality and enjoyable to be around. Our thoughts are with you.

Dave Taylor and the Noontime Hoops guys at F&M

May God have his arms tightly wrapped around you today and always.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. 
Sharon & Bill Bonner

My sincerest sympathies to you, your families, and her beloved husband.  Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Heather was truly blessed.  Words can not heal the sorrow you feel.  Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Reed (Jennifer and Jason Reed’s mother)

Heather you took the world by storm with your smile, kindness, and friendship. I will never forget the exciting times we played golf together. You are a true Champion! With heartfelt sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Love, Roberta, Kevin & Gina Grauer

Joe, I am so sorry to hear about Heather.  She was a sweet person, please know i am thinking of you.

Angel Kurtz

I am so sorry there are no words available to ease the pain of your loss, just know as time passes it will diminish and be repaced by only loving memories of that wonderful young lady, Heather. She touched many people and they all share your grief, and we will miss her smiling face. May God bless you in these difficult times, and always.

Steve Hildebrand

My prayers and thoughts are with Heather’s family at this incredibly difficult time.  I played softball with Heather at George Mason and although I have not spoken to her in many many years, my memories of her are nothing but laughter and good times.  She was so much fun to have as a teammate.  Hold that smile in your heart, thank you for sharing her with all of us.

Amy (Weiss) Evans

Heather was a beautiful person inside and out. I will always cherish the many memories I have of Heather and your entire family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jen Reed Sheaffer

The Women’s Berks County Golf Association joins you in celebrating Heather’s life. She has many friends in our Association. Her love of her family and friends and her golf was irrepressible. She and her partner were the champions of our inaugural JoAn Heller Better Ball of Partners Championship. Heather always had a smile on her face and a friendly word for all. We know she is only as far away as our minds and hearts. She is missed!

Tassy DeAngelo, WBCGA Secretary and Past President

There is an extra star in the sky tonight. Travel well Hoops. We will miss you always and forever…

I am so sorry for you lost. She was one of my most favorite golf students and friends. I will miss her a great deal. But I know she will be looking down on all of us and helping with our golf games. She would want us to play a round for her. Kitty and Chip I wish I could be there to say goodbye. Just remember you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Willard Benner

My deepest condolences to Heather’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. I played softball with Heather at George Mason. She was so much fun and full of energy…a great teammate and a good friend to all.

Sheri (Costa) Murphy

So enjoyed seeing Heather at demo days and at Laura’s home. Heather was a very sweet, kind, giving young lady.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

God bless all of you…..

our warmest regards, Judy and Larry Mann ( Laura Manchester’s parents)

I was so saddened to hear about Heather. Too young, too soon. My prayers are with the family as they deal with this terrible loss.

Pam Dieste

I am very saddened to read of Heather’s passing. I worked with Heather years ago at the Cat’s Meow. She was also smiling and upbeat. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

Kristine Deeley-Donnelly

Dear Kitty and Family,

Please accept our prayers and thoughts at this time. We were very surprised and sadden this morning to read the passing of Heather. Life is really a mystery in so many ways and the death of a love one at an early age is most difficult.

One will always remember her as a very pleasant and caring person in her many adventures in her short life. Peaces be with all of you.

Marge & Dick Trout

Dear Joe, Kitty, Chip, Beth and family, Our thoughts and prayers have been with all of you. We will always remember with love and admiration all of Heather’s accomplishments in sports, and most of all, her loving personality. Please know that our prayers will continue for all of you. Rather than flowers, we are honored to contribute to Heather’s scholarship.

Love,
Ron and Sharon Robinson (Scott’s parents) 310 Infantry Run Mount Juliet, TN. 37122

We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Words can’t express how we are feeling for you right now. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Ellen & Larry Davies OPMD

Beth, Chip, Kitty, Joe,

Please know that my heart is with all of you as you walk through this deep tragedy. Heather was one of the best people that I had the privilege to know. She was a ray of sunshine every time I saw her. I remember her loving flirting with my son, Daniel who, as a junior high kid had a big crush on her. Each time that I had the privilege to be with her, I could see that she brought joy, she brought life to everything and everyone. I know your sorrow….sometimes the best of our lives are taken far too soon. But, this I know…they will always be at your side watching over you and bringing a smile through your tears.

Timi Kirchner

I really didn’t get to know Heather, until I met her at Foxchase. She was so much fun. Her Mother, Kitty, I got to know at Foxchase also. What a delightful family. Her Brother, Chip , is a delight also. Heather will be missed at her family of friends at Foxchase. Thoughts and prayers are with her family and circle of friends.

Norma Holsinger

My deepest condolences to Heather’s family. I knew Heather and Chip when they attended Manheim Twp. High School. They went to school with my son. I also got to see Heather at Foxchase Golf Course. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
John Miller

I am so sorry for your loss. It doesn’t feel that long ago that she was coaching me in field hockey, and then playing alongside me in indoor leagues. She will be greatly missed.

I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Chip Kappesser and the family of Heather DiGuardi. I always looked forward to seeing Heather in the pro shop at Fox Chase Golf Course. She had a great sense of humor and loved to beat up on her brother Chip. We will all miss Heather. May God give you the strength to move on in the absence of Heather.

Bob Wyble

Dear Kitty & Chip, 
Please accept our deepest sympathy.  Loosing a child must be the most terrible experience a parent can ever have. And Chip, we’re very sad for you, too.  We’ll always remember that darling little golfer at CCC.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. 
Love,
Bob & Mary Anne Aichele

As someone who played at Foxchase over the years I always enjoyed seeing Heather and that big smile when ever I was there.  My prayers go out to the family.

Dear Kitty and Family:
We were so saddened when we learned of Heather’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.  Oh what wonderful memories we have to hold on to.
Please accept our deepest sympathy’s.
Love,
Al and Linda Beasley

My deepest sympathies to Heather’s family and friends.  It has been quite some time since I last saw Heather, but I’m sure her endearing kindness and energetic smile captured everyone’s heart.  I will carry fond memories of her with me and will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephanie (Stout) Geiter

Dear Kitty, Chip, Beth, and Joe,
When I saw the paper on Saturday morning I was crushed.  I have always been amazed by what a great family you have.  I had the honor of know Charlie and then getting to know all of you and to watch Heather and Chip grow up at Conestoga. What a pair of joy sticks they were.  A wonderful human has left the grounds and we need to preserve her memory. 
The Barnett Family
Rick and Marilyn, Barney

Joe, Kitty, Chip, Beth, and the rest of Heather’s family – there are no words to express how saddened I am by Heather’s passing.  From the moment we met, she was always a wonderful friend to me.  Always with a smile on her face, and quite often, something mischevious being planned with that twinkle in her eyes.  I have nothing but fun memories of her – hanging out in Baltimore, weekends in Ocean City, a road trip to Key West. I will always hold on to all of those happy times in my heart.  Something that made me realize what a true friend Heather was, was that whenever I came back home for a visit, she always made that two hour trek (sometimes even in a snow storm) to see me – I don’t know if I ever told her how much that meant to me, but it really did mean so much – true friends like her can be few and far between.  I miss her terribly, but will strive to keep her memory alive by living like I know she would.  I am blessed to have had her in my life, even if that time was cut entirely too short.  Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this time, knowing that we will all see her again one day.  Love, Lisa (Parvis) Reiter.

Dear Kitty, Chip & Joe,
 I am so sorry to hear about Heathers Passing. She was one of my favorite people. It was a pleasure to be in her company. God is truly getting a wonderful addition to heaven. She will be greatly missed. Love, Yvonne Bourne

Dear Kitty,So sorry to here of the passing of your beautifully daughter, I only meet her the one time,She was so friendly and chatty,I will alway,s remember her. I will be thinking of you and your family on May 1st and will say a pray for you all…
Love from Jane…from England. xx

Chip, I was very shocked and saddened to learn of your sister’s tragic passing. My most sincerest sympathy.

John Berkes

Dear Family-

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Cherish your memories of Heather because they can never be taken from you.

We vividly remember Heather from several years ago when she visited us with friends at our home in Avalon, NJ. She was so full of energy and full of life and we will always remember that good time when thinking of her.

Joe and Mary Ann McSparran

We will really miss Heather! We had fun seeing her at demo days and our house when she would take us for ice cream and treats! We had fun talking about the phillies
Love
Grace and Emily Manchester

Thinking of you with so much love
 Karen Spanedda, Jennifer and family, Kevin and family

Kitty,

Sending my deepest sympathy, may God comfort you & the rest of the family during this difficult time. Will have you in my heart & in my prayers.

Johanna Olivio (Barry Donlin’s mom)

Dearest Kitty and Family… our family send our deepest sympathy to you all. We will always remember beautiful Heather just as she was, so happy and vibrant always smiling and laughing.. it was our priviledge to have been her friend.