Heidi Louise Edgar

Heidi Louise Edgar (Swartzwelder) passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023, following a brief illness.

Born in Salem, MA to parents Priscilla (Elder) and William (Bill) Swartzwelder, Heidi was a member of the Laconia class of 1966. She spent her youth skiing both the slopes at Gunstock and the waves of Winnipesaukee. With artistic talents that blossomed at an early age, Heidi went on to study at both the Ringling School of Art and Design and the Art Institute of Boston. Despite her mother telling her she should go to secretarial school; Heidi pursued her passion for art while waiting tables at Harts Turkey Farm to earn money for school.

The need to create was as essential to Heidi as food and water. She painted stunning watercolors that were featured in gallery shows around the region, along with illustrating the children's book, "A Home for Jamie". Her career in the arts developed throughout her life, ranging from owning Swartzwelder Artworks where she created logo designs and signage for local businesses to painting breathtaking murals in private homes, businesses, libraries and on the windows of the Prudential Center in Boston. She had a deep love of teaching both youth and adults through community and school-based art programs. Heidi loved nothing more than inspiring emerging artists to discover their gifts and share them with the world.

Heidi had a talent for seeing beauty everywhere, and a knack for finding something that was a unique shape and making art with it. She was known for making original pieces out of sourced items; many friends and loved ones received her creations ranging from a paintings on brown paper bags, to trees made of electrical wire. Most recently she enjoyed restoring the historic doll house on Becky's Island on Winnipesaukee.

The only thing equal to her talents was her love of Michael, her husband of 42 years, and her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Mike Edgar, of Meredith, daughter, Whitney Blethen and son-in-law, Brandon, of Kittery, Maine, and granddaughters Lyla and Celia. Siblings Marlis Clark and husband Dick, William Swartzwelder and Gretchen Shortway. Cousins Jennifer Stimac, Neil and Ruth Grant, and Gordon and Donna Grant and the Edgar family held a special place in Heidi's heart. She will be missed by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and beloved friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 12, at noon at the Meredith Community Center, 1 Circle Drive, Meredith. We hope that those who attend will arrive in their most colorful, yet casual, clothing as Heidi was a lover of color and comfort. A recorded zoom option will be made available for those who cannot attend in person. Please email hedgarmemorial@outlook.com and the link can be sent upon request.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Laconia High School Art and Mural Club, Attn: Molly Greeley, 345 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03246, as Heidi loved nurturing young artists and creating murals.