Heather Love Fasano

Heather Love Fasano, 44, of Wilmington NC and formerly of Port Jefferson Station, NY, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2012 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Heather Ann Love on October 3, 1967 in New York City, NY to Thomas Love and the late Mildred “Millie” (Cameron) Love. She was raised in Port Jefferson Station, NY and graduated Comsewogue Senior High School in 1985.

In New York, in the fall of 1986, she met her lifetime sweetheart, her future husband, Michael J. “Mickey” Fasano. Engaged to Mickey, she moved to Carolina Beach, NC to join him. They married on July 3, 1993 in Huntington, NY and then returned to Wilmington, NC to build their life together. A shared dream was realized in July of 2010 when, together with members of their family, they opened the Long Island Eatery delicatessen.

Together for nearly twenty-six years, and married for nineteen, Heather and Mickey created a loving family with three children of whom she was most proud: Courtney Love Fasano, Michael John Fasano, and Ashley Nicole Fasano. Heather treasured children and adored babies, treating all with love, kindness, and respect. She was an extraordinary mother, took delight in her role as aunt to ten nieces and nephews, and loved being a teacher for the YWCA Tot Spot program. Heather treated her friends’ children and her children’s friends as she did her own. Three of her children’s friends, Jonathan Kelly, Hailey Bethune, and Jenna Bethune, held a special place in Heather’s heart.

Heather was an athlete and a fan. She truly enjoyed sports: playing soccer in high school; working for the champion New York Arrows of the Major Indoor Soccer League; competing along with Mickey on co-ed volleyball and softball teams; providing support and cheering loudly for her children, her nephews, her nieces and all their teammates; and spending Sunday afternoons with her family watching professional sports.

Heather had three wonderful dogs in her life, first Honey, then Snickers, and lastly Chase who survives her. Fresh flowers and lovely gardens always made Heather flash her beautiful smile. Heather was thoughtful, easy-going, funny and fun-loving. She endeared herself to many and treasured her friends.

Surviving in addition to her devoted husband, cherished children and beloved father is her brother Scott Love of New York and his children Rachel, Kyle and Arron; her loving father in-law and mother in-law John and Maureen Fasano of Wilmington; and her extended family the Dejewski’s of Wilmington: Steve, Kim, Steven, Mandi, and Alexa; the Tranchon’s of Wilmington: Glenn, Colleen, G.C., Brittany, Brandon, and Tyler; and the Fasano’s of Charlotte NC: John and Liz. Heather is also survived by many dear family members and friends.

Heather fought cancer for twelve years. Through it all, she was quick to smile and quick to laugh. She gave hope and inspiration so easily to all who surrounded her. Her amazing spirit, buoyed by love and support from family and friends, enabled her to win many battles along the way. Countless individuals, businesses and organizations supported “Hope for Heather,” an initiative started by daughter Courtney. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff and volunteers of Lower Cape Fear Hospice and kindly requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts for this outstanding organization: Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation; 1414 Physicians Drive; Wilmington, NC 28401.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 5 to 7 pm at Wilmington Funeral Chapel; 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC.

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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099