Heidi Zee Kao

August 18, 1971 - February 16, 2024

My beloved beautiful Heidi slipped away from us far too soon from complications of illness. She withstood unbearable treatment side effects, pain, and discomfort, all with the grace and strength that she is so known for.

She was a dedicated daughter, devoted mother, loving and protective sister, loyal friend, tireless and compassionate boss, and the partner in everything good in my life.

Her heart was in her beloved NYC, but she returned to her hometown of South Pasadena, because she wanted the very best for her children. She continued her tradition of amping up teacher appreciation events, ensuring her children would be taken care of.

She loved riding with her Soul Cycle friends so much that she would leave energized when any other human might feel exhausted.

She loved singing with such legendary passion that no microphone was required. Obsessed with the Manchester music scene, she contemplated making a documentary about it, but settled for hitting every New Order and Johnny Marr concert she could within a country wide radius.

She was the best fangirl ever, ready to discuss Band of Brothers or Game of Thrones or any Aaron Sorkin show at the drop of a hat. And of course, she knew all the T. Swift lyrics before it was cool to know them.

An experienced and seasoned world traveler, she was always excited to explore whatever was on offer in the locale she landed in, whether for work or for play, and somehow always befriended someone in the know to get the name of the tastiest restaurant or most exclusive drinking club.

She made her clients and colleagues her partners in and out of office mischief. And yet she was the consummate professional - doing whatever she could to get her clients what they needed while still being honest and ethical.

Her superpower was bringing people together - the ultimate connector. She was the center of so many disparate groups. She brought together friends that she thought would hit it off, classmates, clients. She had some way of making EVERYONE around her feel so special, that it was like she was everyone's best friend, even if they might not actually have been hers.

Heidi shined her light and laughter on all that came into contact with her and she loved as she lived - fiercely, loyally, completely. She will be forever missed, never forgotten and always in our hearts.

Fred Kao