Laura Rice Heath

Dedicated to my daughters, Laura and Debra Rice, who have been the joys of my life. Honoring them for the loving, caring, courageous, enthusiastic, giving young adults they have become. They are hard-working and energetic as they each pursue their own dreams and goals, facing the challenges and demands of the ‘90’s in the helping professions.

Laura was a headstrong little girl who definitely knew her own mind. As a teenager she really blossomed because of a high school show choir she was involved in where she learned the art of self-discipline. The kids developed, produced and performed their own show with the help of a great teacher.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in psychology, she became the supervisor in a group home of young girls ages 8-18 who have been abused or abandoned by their parents and are now in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. I watched with amazement at how she dealt with this stressful job where she tried to help the girls grow into healthy, productive citizens.

Laura received a Masters of Social Work from Salem State College in 1997. She was a Peace Corp volunteer in Romania from 1998-2000. In 2003 she married Terrance Health and has a daughter, Madeline Grace, born January 4, 2005. Laura also enjoys adventure and has taken adventure trips to Costa Rica and gone dog sledding in Northern Minnesota. With her determination and drive, I know that Laura will lead a full and happy life.

Submitted on 8/6/95; updated 4/11/06

My two daughters, Laura Heath and Debra Hill, share a unique and heartwarming story that demonstrates a supreme act of sisterly love.

Laura has two wonderful children, Madeleine (2005) and Atticus (2007). After going through a rough patch in her marriage, she finally separated from her husband. She continued to raise her children and met a wonderful man who she has dated for several years. His children are almost grown.

Debra has struggled with infertility for all of her adult life. After 2 failed IVFs, she and her husband decided to try to adopt from China and waited in line for 6 years. In the fall of 2012, they decided to give up their quest to adopt and had accepted the fact that they would not be able to have a family.

In April of 2013 soon after Debra’s 43^rd birthday, Laura called Debra with the news that she was expecting a baby. Debra was thrilled, Laura though went on to say that she was really hoping that Debra and her husband Jim would adopt the baby. Of course, Jim and Debra were beyond the moon with happiness at the prospect and readily agreed. Laura had a healthy pregnancy and at the age of 45, gave birth at home in San Francisco to a beautiful baby girl who they named Pema Harper Hill.  She is such a source of joy for all of us.

3/21/2014