With hearts full of grief and remembrance, the city of Detroit and the surrounding communities are mourning the passing of Heather Fountain, a radiant soul whose passion, artistry, and love touched countless lives. Heather, who celebrated her 50th birthday last year, passed away leaving behind a legacy of elegance, creativity, and deep family devotion that will long be remembered.
A Celebration of Life is planned for July, where family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her will gather to honor the life of a woman who made every space brighter, every relationship deeper, and every occasion unforgettable.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Heather made her mark early on with a flair for the creative. She graduated from Franklin High School and pursued her artistic calling by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan. She didn’t stop there. Determined and inspired, Heather continued her education at Wayne State University, where she achieved a Master’s Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising, setting the stage for an accomplished and impactful career.
Heather made her home in Ypsilanti Township, where she curated a living space that was both a personal sanctuary and a testament to her impeccable taste. She had a unique ability to infuse every room with beauty and meaning, from perfectly styled décor to sentimental touches that reflected her heart and spirit. Known by those close to her as “fancy” and undeniably fabulous, Heather brought her full self to every gathering. Whether it was a cozy family dinner or a holiday celebration, she elevated it with thoughtful details, dazzling style, and a contagious love of life.
Professionally, Heather found her dream role at corporate Target, where she began working in 2017. As a Visual Merchandising Director, she brought innovation, vision, and inspiration to her work, transforming retail spaces into dynamic experiences. For Heather, Target wasn’t just a job—it was her forever home. Her colleagues and collaborators recall her as a leader who combined business acumen with creative brilliance and a compassionate heart.
But Heather’s life was defined by far more than her career. She was a gifted dancer—a performing member of the Jazz Dance Theater in Ann Arbor—and her love for movement and expression was a lifelong passion. She shared that love as a devoted dance teacher at multiple studios, nurturing the confidence and joy of countless students. Heather believed in the power of dance to connect, to heal, and to inspire—and through her teaching, she did all three.
Travel was another of Heather’s great joys. Her professional and personal adventures took her across the globe, enriching her worldview and bringing her closer to the beauty and diversity of life on Earth. Among her many adventures, none was more magical than her trip to Tanzania, where her beloved fiancé and soulmate, Carl “Hoss” Ostenson, proposed to her in a hot air balloon soaring over the Serengeti. That moment—romantic, bold, and breathtaking—was a reflection of the life they shared: one full of love, exploration, and profound connection.
Heather was the cherished daughter of Barry and Sharon Fountain, the devoted sister of Holly (Jon) Thompson, and the beloved “Auntie” to Adeline and Everlee Thompson, whom she adored with all her heart. She delighted in every opportunity to shower her nieces with affection, excitement, and holiday magic—creating traditions and memories that will forever be treasured. Her family was the center of her universe, and her love knew no bounds.
Heather’s extended family included numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends, all of whom experienced her warmth, loyalty, and unforgettable sparkle. She was a woman who remembered birthdays, who showed up when it mattered, and who never did anything halfway.
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Heather was a grounding force—someone who reminded us to celebrate beauty, cherish family, and dance through life with both elegance and enthusiasm. Her passing leaves a profound void, but her spirit continues to inspire.
As Detroit and Ypsilanti prepare to celebrate her extraordinary life in July, Heather’s loved ones invite the community to remember her not only in mourning, but in living with purpose, joy, and generosity, just as she did.
Rest in peace, Heather Fountain. Your light lives on in every life you touched.
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