Heidi Else Hamrick (Engel)

Heidi Else Hamrick passed peacefully on November 23, 2023 in Austin, Texas at the age of 85 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Heidi was preceded in death by her husband, James Hamrick. She is survived by her daughter, Carrie Hamrick, and son-in-law Tom Swatlowski, of Georgetown Texas, son, Jim Hamrick, daughter-in-law Meredith Hamrick and grandchildren Riley and Carley Hamrick of Austin, Texas. Heidi was born on the precipice of World War II in Neckarau, Germany, the second of two children born to Jakob and Elsa Engel. Heidi's formative years were marked by the challenges of wartime, shaping her into a woman of resilience, strength and character. From the beginning Heidi was inquisitive and had a love for travel and adventure. As a young woman Heidi was interested in improving her English-speaking skills and attended a USO function with a friend looking to do the same. There, at Tomkins Barracks in Schwetzingen, Germany, she met her future husband, James E. Hamrick who was on tour with the U.S. Army. James soon proposed and Heidi set sail from Bremerhaven, Germany, bound for New York. This voyage marked the beginning of the life Heidi and James would share and they married on July 7, 1965 in South Carolina. The couple started a family and eventually settled and raised their children in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Heidi worked as a Medical Librarian at Mary Washington Hospital. Immersed in a world of books and reading, she thrived in assisting medical staff by delving into the intricacies of research which provided more informed care for patients. Beyond work duties and being a devout wife and mother, Heidi cherished connecting with her German relatives overseas, visiting friends, walks in nature, reading nonfiction, being part of the German Club of Northern Virginia, and later in life, becoming an active member of the Northern Virginia Ski Club. Following the loss of her husband to ALS in 1991, Heidi fulfilled her lifelong dream of exploring the world. She relocated to Florida, strategically positioning herself near her chosen hub for embarking on global adventures. Heidi traveled to some of the most remote corners of the earth, turning her dreams into a reality as she traversed diverse landscapes and cultures. A true adventurer at heart, Heidi's passion for travel was a testament to her curiosity and love for new places and experiences. Her tales of exploration, whether wandering through historic streets, climbing volcanoes or immersing herself in the beauty of nature, were woven into the fabric of gatherings with family and friends, creating lasting cherished memories. Those memories will forever reside in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in her homeland - Germany. Please share any comments, stories or pictures here that reflect the beauty of Heidi's life and the impact she had on us. Heidi's journey on this earth has ended, but her spirit soars on.

Heidi Else Hamrick (Engel)

July 13, 1938 - November 23, 2023