Kaia Elizabeth Heide

Kaia Elizabeth Heide died of metastatic breast cancer on Monday, November 6, 2017.

Kaia was born into the family of Dave and Leah (Throntveit) Heide on February 14, 1970. She grew up in Fargo, graduating from North High in 1988. After a nanny year in Pennsylvania, she enrolled at Concordia College, working summers in Incline Village, CA and graduating in 1993. She then worked in Tahoe, CA and Washington, DC before beginning her career as a flight attendant with United Airlines. She enjoyed her work, living three years in Boston, three years in London, and her remaining thirteen years in Long Beach, CA. She moved back to Fargo when her health required closer monitoring but continued to hope she could do the work she loved again.

Kaia is survived by her parents; sister, Solveig Heide Koczak (Jason); brother, Leif; brother, Bjorn Odden Heide (Chasity) and beloved nephews, Henrik, Jens, and Soren Odden Heide and Olin Koczak, as well as many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Albert and Eleanor Heide and LeRoy and Mabel Throntveit.

Kaia was a bright and shining light in our family. Her name means “pure of heart,” and she was truly that. She was also a gatherer of people. She maintained many strong friendships through the years. The loving support of her multitude of friends was a comforting source of strength for her and for us as we felt God loving her through them.

Kaia was a confirmed member of Hope Lutheran Church and an associate member of Our Savior’s Lutheran in Long Beach.

Kaia was passionate about the pressing need for metastatic cancer research, its causes, effects, and treatment. At her request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Metavivor.org.