Heather Bliss, a beloved member of the University of Washington community, passed away on October 1st after battling breast cancer. Heather served as the Human Resources Administrator in Pediatrics until 2022 and had been with the university for nearly 24 years. She was deeply dedicated to her profession and played a key role in shaping the HR and payroll teams within the university. Colleagues remember her as warm, caring, and dedicated to the well-being of faculty, staff, and trainees.
Heather's impact extended beyond her immediate team as she effectively managed the HR/Payroll transition and supported the department through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to the university and advocacy for the community left a lasting impression on those she worked with. In honor of her memory, a donation site has been set up via Fred Hutch for those who wish to contribute.
The news of Heather's passing may be difficult for many.
Below are resources that you may find helpful.
UW Resources
- Counseling services through Washington's Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- EAP services for supervisors, managers, and HR leaders
Non-UW Resources
- Grief Support Resources from The Healing Center - a community resource for folks dealing with many different forms of grief