Heather O. Prochaska

March 22, 1966 - October 1, 2019

Heather O. Prochaska, 53, of Ft. Collins, CO passed away October 1, 2019 at Pathways Hospice, McKee Medical Center in Loveland. Heather was born March 22, 1966 in Axtell, KS to William Oppy and Barbara (Weber) Oppy. The youngest of three, Heather spent much of her childhood in Lakewood, CO. She graduated from Green Mountain High School in 1984. Heather went on to Colorado State University where she completed a B.S. in Occupational Therapy. Heather relocated to Montana and California for her professional internships upon completion of her coursework at CSU. She made life-long friends during this time and enjoyed participating in and supporting her clients’ wheelchair basketball teams. Heather then moved back to Fort Collins in early 1990, working for Poudre Valley Hospital Occupational Health Services as an OTR for 10+ years. Her career path next took her to a position with Larimer County in several roles including Ergonomics Management and the countywide Worker’s Compensation case manager where she helped create safer work environments for employees across 18 years of service. Heather was dedicated to her profession and was well-respected by both her colleagues and clients. On May 1, 1999 Heather married Mark Prochaska, a Fort Collins firefighter. Together they dedicated their life to raising their twin daughters, Hannah and Kylie, and in service to the Fort Collins/Larimer County community. Heather enjoyed hiking, cycling, being outdoors in the beauty of Colorado and a margarita on the beach in Mexico. She was an avid reader and cherished her pup, Tally. Heather was a loving and supportive mother to Hannah & Kylie, especially as they pursued their own passion for gymnastics and school. Survivors include her husband, Mark Prochaska; twin daughters, Hannah and Kylie; her father William L. Oppy of Ft. Collins; two brothers, David (Catherine) Oppy of Monument, CO and Brian (Nancy) Oppy of Chico, CA; and four nieces & nephews. Preceding Heather in death is her mother Barbara W. Oppy. Heather fought a brave and true battle against stage 4 breast cancer since receiving the diagnosis March 2016. She will be sorely missed by her loving and devoted husband, beautiful daughters, extended family and numerous close friends. She is a Warrior Princess!! A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 11:00am at Timberline Church, South Auditorium, 2908 S. Timberline Rd., Fort Collins. A reception will follow at Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., Fort Collins. Contributions can be made to: Terry Farrell Firefighter fund ( Northern Colorado chapter) http://www.terryfundco.org/ Hopelives ( Fort Collins breast Cancer support) https://www.hopelives.org/