Heidi Haeberli-Speiser

MADISON - Heidi Haeberli-Speiser passed away May 7, 2010.

She was born Heidi Speiser on July 22, 1926, in Basel, Switzerland to Ernst and Gertrude Speiser-Schneebeli, two school teachers. She graduated from teacher training college in Basel and began teaching elementary school in 1952.

In early November 1953, Heidi traveled by train and boat to Madison from Basel to reunite with and marry Willy Haeberli whom she had met at the local church youth group in Basel. Heidi and Willy married in Madison on Jan. 6, 1954. Together they raised three children, Martin Haeberli, Paul Haeberli and Francie Haeberli in Madison.

Throughout her life Heidi enjoyed hiking in the mountains, bird watching, visiting with friends and discussing literature, and teaching, playing with and caring for her grandchildren. Heidi particularly loved literature and languages. She spoke many languages: her native dialect, Basel-dytsch and Zeri-detsch (Zurich), as well as German and French and English. She read Latin, and studied Italian. She was interested in philosophy and took comfort in the Christian faith throughout her life particularly again in the few last years.

Heidi had a cheerful, strong, bright spirit and a wonderfully quirky sense of humor. After recovering from a difficult illness over the fall and winter, Heidi continued to live with energy and hope for the future and more adventures to come. Only last year, she enjoyed a trip to Thailand with her daughter to visit her son Paul for several weeks. Her sudden passing came as a shock to those who were close to her.

She is survived by her three children, Martin Haeberli (Tracey Grown), Paul Haeberli and Francie Haeberli; and her grandchildren, Camryn and Dominick Boyle, and Serena and Eden Grown-Haeberli. She is also survived by her former husband, Willy Haeberli and his wife Gabriele Haberland who remained close friends to Heidi.

A celebration of her life is planned for July 4, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF MADISON with a reception following.