Heidi Katrina Harriss

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear daughter, Heidi Harriss, on January 29, 2026, at the far too young age of 41. Heidi was born in Oakville, Ontario, on February 29, 1984, during a major winter storm, arriving alongside 11 other babies that night.

In the spring of 1990, she moved to Orillia, where she later met the love of her life, Jared Lutes. They have shared the past 23 years together, enjoying life, travelling, and spending cherished time at their cottage on Gloucester Pool, always surrounded by friends, family, and their beloved pets – Buster, George, Mickie, and Ed.

Heidi had a natural ability to take a simple task and make it meaningful and special. Whether stringing lights along a staircase banister, choosing a framed picture with personal significance, or selecting a unique light fixture, she approached everything with creativity and elegance. She also maintained many long-term friendships, including those from her high school years at Park Street Collegiate.

Sadly, Heidi succumbed after a short but courageous battle with an aggressive cancer. She is survived by her devoted life partner, Jared Lutes; her loving parents, Melina and Glen Harriss of Orillia, ON; and her sister, Alana (Pierce) Hinton, along with their children, Ben and Ellie of Kelowna, BC. She will also be deeply missed by Jared’s family: his mother, Judy (Mike) Whitley of Orillia, ON; brothers Craig Lutes of Birmingham, AL, Tyler Lutes of Sherwood Park, AB, Eric (Kristyn) Whitley and their children Brooklyn and Bennett of Port Credit, ON, and Scott (Jenn) Whitley and their children Riley and Mason of Orillia, ON; Curtis Lutes of Barrie, ON, and his daughter Abby Rickard of Cambridge, ON; Brett Mathews-Lutes of Whistler, BC; and step-mother, Colleen Mathews of Calgary, AB. All of her extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins will miss her deeply.

Heidi was predeceased by Jared’s father, Barry Lutes of Calgary, AB.

Although her time with us was far too short, she leaves behind countless memories that will remain with us forever. A celebration of life will be held in Heidi’s honour on May 9th at Hawk Ridge Golf Club, 1151 Hurlwood Lane, Severn, ON, from 1–4 PM.