Heidi Printz, 52, Advocate for Women’s Health, Mother and Friend

Heidi Printz, whose laughter, fierce loyalty, and devotion to family defined her life, died of natural causes while on a sabbatical in France, where she entertained close friends and embraced the Mediterranean lifestyle. She was 52.

Born to Dave and Lynda (Dasher) Printz in Las Vegas, Heidi, alongside her younger brother Tannen, grew up in the Garden Home neighborhood of Portland. A close-knit family, they enjoyed many weekends in Manzanita, Mexico and along Hood Canal. Heidi attended Montclair, Whitford, and Beaverton High School before transferring to St. Mary’s Academy – at every step forming friendships that endured across decades. A runner, skier, golfer and varsity soccer and basketball star, she carried her competitive spirit throughout her life.

She followed her parents to the University of Oregon, where she cheered loudly for the Ducks, joined Alpha Chi Omega and earned her degree in 1994. Heidi was a brilliant student and scholar, and throughout her life devoured countless novels, works of non-fiction and the Economist. Her post-grad education in the Czech Republic and London earned her a PhD in Women’s Health.

Professionally, Heidi was a fierce warrior. She stood up for what was right, fearlessly, with integrity and love. She advocated loudly for women’s health and rights. She led teams with compassion and tackled problems with both intellect and creativity. From Planned Parenthood and OHSU locally, to public health organizations and universities, she truly made a difference in the areas of maternal and fetal medicine.

Heidi’s most defining feature was her BIG love. Her daughter, Aspen, was her life’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. Heidi never missed a chance to tell you so. Aspen inherited her mother’s adventurous streak, her boundless laugh, and love for scary movies. To know Heidi was to know Aspen—she was her mother’s favorite subject and brightest star.

She was sentimental – upholding nicknames, rituals and traditions, including her famous “Jingle and Mingle” holiday parties. And her famous laugh, infectious and ever-present, is unforgettable. Paired with her irreverent wit and gift for storytelling, her laugh made good times great and hard times a little lighter.

She was the first to hit the dance floor, the last at the party and always animated the setting with a soundtrack, from Al Stewart to Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton and The Cure, Arcade Fire and everything in between. She adored animals, especially her beloved pugs, first Macho and later Winnie.

In recent years, she settled in Virginia, where she relished hiking, cooking and traveling, never hesitant to hop on an airplane and explore different cultures. And, as she did everywhere she went, she found a book group.

Heidi was pre-deceased by her beloved brother, Tannen (2025) mom (2022) and dad (2004). She is survived by her daughter, Aspen Simpson – her BIG love; her co-parent Jeff; her sister-in-law Tonia and nephew Wilder; her partner Mike and an army of friends who will forever hear her laugh and her wise counsel echoing in their heads.

Heidi’s greatest wish is for Aspen to find the same comfort and happiness she did in family and friends.

Heidi will never be forgotten. She would want us to celebrate, preferably with a solid playlist, great company, and at least one dog at our side. We will do so on November 2, from 2-4 p.m., at the Patricia D. Whiting Park Hall at Metzger Park in Portland, Oregon.