Colonel Heather (Risdal) Perez of Akron, Ohio at age 51, lost her battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) on June 29, 2024 while traveling in Boulder, CO. Heather was born October 31, 1972 in Cape Cod where she grew up in Hyannis, Massachusetts. She was a very talented violinist and considered pursuing it as a career. Heather graduated from Barnstable High School in 1990, and continued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Upon graduation Heather was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force where she had an accomplished military career of almost 30 years. During this time Heather continued to excel and received her Masters of Business Administration, Masters in Nursing Education, and a Master of Strategic Studies. This was in addition to being a dedicated wife to Antonio Perez who she met while serving in Colorado. She had two remarkable beautiful daughters, Kylie and Kira. She retired as a Colonel on December 7, 2023. During her career Heather humbly received many awards and achieved great things at multiple levels, including at the Air Force levels but was always humble sharing any accolades earned with her squadrons. Heather served as a mentor to many, was a great leader but was a more exceptional human being to all who knew her.

Of all things though, Heather enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved, valued and looked forward to watching her children play sports and grow up. She enjoyed family themed Halloween costumes and matching family Christmas pajamas. She liked being active and adventurous. Heather had a sweet tooth that well surpassed Willy Wonka. She had a quirky sense of humor and “wouldn’t suffer fools gladly.” She had a passion for travel and especially loved cruises. Even up to her last day she was on an adventure. Nothing, not even MSA was holding her back from living life. Heather also enjoyed just hanging out and watching TV or doing a craft. She liked to stay in touch with her sisters, family and friends. To her, life was full and the more the merrier. She was generous and loyal and will be missed by many. To have had her a part of your life was a gift and know she felt the same for you in hers.

Heather was preceded in death by her father Raynold Risdal. She is survived by her husband and daughters, Antonio, Kylie, and Kira. Her mother, Sandra Risdal. Sisters Kirsten, Theressa and Kelley.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Heather’s name to the Defeat MSA Alliance (defeatmsa.org)

A memorial service in Akron, OH is being planned. Time and date will be announced at a later date.

Heather was a badass. Rest in peace Heather!

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