Heidi Elizabeth Keeran
BERMUDA DUNES - Heidi Elizabeth Keeran died peacefully at home January 17, 2024. She made her passing early in the morning surrounded by her loving family.
Born July 25 1960, the eldest of three daughters, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bruce Miller in Arcadia California. She was baptized at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Arcadia and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Gabriel. Heidi Murr, as she called herself as a toddler, was a happy child growing up in a home with love, warmth and without want. The Miller’s taught their children the lessons of kindness, empathy and giving, a blueprint she used throughout her life.
She graduated from Arcadia high school in 1978. Heidi was in the Arcadia High School drill team, marching in many parades. She was an enthusiastic drama member. When she wasn’t helping behind-the-scenes with sets, wardrobe or makeup she could be found on stage performing. Heidi was a devoted Girl Scout through her elementary and high school years. Family vacations were spent camping at Butt Lake. She loved the outdoors, a passion that continued throughout her entire life and shared with her children.
Heidi earned her bachelors degree in Business Administration from Cal Poly University Pomona in 1983.
In high school, her first professional job was working as a gift wrapper during Christmas season at Robinson’s, a California department store chain. With her college degree, she was promoted to an administration position in the personnel department of Robinson’s. She got her first taste of the desert when she opened the Robinson’s at the Palm Desert Town Center mall in 1987. She made many lifelong friends during her retail career. She transferred back to Northridge, Ca. Robinsons store in 1989 only to be unexpectedly laid-off in 1990 as a, “cost saving measure”. Heidi often said, “Good comes from bad.” She received a call from a friend at the desert Robinsons about a job in the personnel department at Coachella Valley Water District. She accepted a position as a Personnel Analyst with CVWD. She was promoted to Director of Human Resources in 1999. She would work at CVWD over 27 years, 20 of those years as Director of Personnel. Heidi had a reputation of being fair to workers and her employer, CVWD. Many sought her counsel and advice. She was respected professionally and loved personally by many.
In an interesting twist of fate, she met her future husband, Robert, on her first day of work. He took her portrait for CVWD’s employee news letter, “The Water Gazette”. Robert had started working in the communications department 8 months earlier. (Yes, Bob was there first). Heidi and Bob had their first date on April 11, 1992, were engaged on April 11, 1993 and married November 27, 1993. The couple celebrated their 30th anniversary with a November surprise party at the Arcadia Women’s Club.
The couple’s greatest joy is their children, Cali and Connor. They were dedicated to raising their children in the same loving way they were. The couple have been members of Hope Lutheran Church for 28 years. Heidi read scripture lessons from the pulpit for a few Sundays.
Heidi was a bona fide devotee of popular music. She loved live music. Her first concert was the Eagles at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood. As a youth she went to many concerts and continued to do so her entire life. She attended several Coachella Music and Art festival concerts. A bulging band tee shirt drawer attests to her love of concerts.
Heidi was a voracious reader, having read hundreds of books. Reading her favorite mystery and crime novels on an ocean beach or from the shore of Butt Lake while eating sunflower seeds was one of her greatest indulgence.
She loved the California Angels baseball team, as did her father. The family would attend several games yearly.
An avid gardener, she loved planting flowers and growing vegetables. She knew her garden flowers and desert wildflowers. Walking in the desert of Anza Borrego State park, she could name most of the wildflowers. Heidi loved the beach, walking barefoot in the tide pools and collecting shells. She loved to snorkel. Hiking, bikes rides, camping trips to Butt Lake, Carpinteria State Beach, Anza Borrego State Park and many National and State parks around the country were part of family vacation trips. Along with trips to Iowa, Hawaii, east coast beaches, Disneyland, Walt Disney World and road trips around the USA.
She loved life and she was loved.
She was preceded in death by her father Robert Bruce Miller. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Robert Keeran of Bermuda Dunes, CA. Their children, Cali Keeran (chick-a-monk) of San Diego, CA. Connor Keeran (Mr. Guy) of Bermuda Dunes, CA. Her mother, Patricia Miller of Arcadia, CA. Sisters Gretchen Hall and husband Rob of Moorpark, CA. Kristine Miller of Arcadia, CA. Brother-in-law Mike Keeran and wife Michelle of Bermuda Dunes, CA. Sister-in-law Marcie Keeran Condon of Palm Desert, CA. Brother-in-law Scott Keeran and wife Elena of Palm Desert, CA. Along with 14 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to all the family, friends, nurses, doctors and the church for their gentle help and kindness on her journey. Peace, Love and Grace to you all.
In Heidi’s honor the family requests that you get a cancer check-up and donate to the Eisenhower’s Luci Curci Cancer Center, Rancho Mirage in her name.
A celebration of life will be held February 17 at Hope Lutheran Church, 45900 Portola Ave. in Palm Desert. Service begins at 11:00 with light food and refreshment to follow in the Hope Center.