In Memoriam

◊◊◊◊◊

April 18, 2022 — It is with profound sadness that we inform our readers of the passing on April 14, 2022, of our friend and colleague, Heather Bruemmer, Executive Director and State of Wisconsin Long Term Care Ombudsman. 

A mentor to numerous other state ombudsmen across the nation, Heather was an active member of the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs, having served in several leadership roles. Heather was honored in 2018 with the Consumer Voice’s Cernoria Johnson Memorial Advocacy Award, presented to persons whose work has had national impact, or who is a model for national excellence. 

From her NASOP colleagues:

  • “She just knew how to be a wonderful human being and went about doing it every day.”
  • “When thinking about her, I am reminded of the saying about how people won’t remember your actions, rather they will remember how you made them feel. Heather did both – and will be remembered by her genuine, heartfelt actions as well as how special she made others feel.”
  • “Heather was one of the most positive people I have ever known.  The ombudsman program has lost a real gem today.”

◊◊◊◊◊