Obituary: Barbara Heyd, 88, Of Norwalk

Information via Collins Funeral Home

Barbara Heyd, 88, wife of Dr. Allen Heyd and longtime resident of Norwalk, passed away peacefully at Norwalk Hospital with family at her side on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Barbara was born on April 19, 1935 in Bronx, New York to the late Maximilian and Regina Kraus Koerner. Barbara met and married Allen in New York, and worked to help support him in Indiana, where he earned his PhD, and where they adopted their daughter.

Once settled in Connecticut, Barbara began a decade-long career as Principal of the Norwalk Montessori Association, which encompassed three schools in the county. She also worked for 15 years as the head of administrative staff at Towers Perrin in Stamford.

After retirement, Barbara began the work that meant the most to her. As a volunteer for more than a decade at Norwalk Hospital, she established and served as Chairwoman of the hospital’s Pet Therapy Program, which filled her days with passion and purpose. She was active in the Norwalk community throughout her lifetime, welcoming Fresh Air Fund children to her home in summer, serving as a Girl Scout leader, hosting international students for holiday celebrations, volunteering at the Oyster Festival and helping with charity auctions for the Norwalk Seaport Association.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Norris Suzanne Carlson and husband Peter of Eastsound, Washington, and her “second daughter,” niece Karolina Koerner and husband James R. Smith of Ambler, Pennsylvania and by many beloved nieces, nephews, lifetime friends, and neighbors.

Barbara was predeceased by husband of 65 years Allen, brother Roy M. Koerner of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and brother Peter M. Koerner of Bronx, New York.

A memorial celebration of her life is being planned for spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Barbara to The Good Dog Foundation at https://thegooddogfoundation.org/ or to The Good Dog Foundation, PO Box 346, Hudson, NY 12534.