Heather Baird Tomlinson
Heather Baird Tomlinson, 45, of Worthington, passed away Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at the Kobacker House in Columbus following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born May 28, 1978, in Chillicothe, the beloved daughter of Bruce and Sue Ann (Lucas) Baird.
Heather was an active member of the Greenfield First United Methodist Church and graduated from E.L. McClain High School in 1996, where she was the recipient of the Konneker Cutler Scholar Award to Ohio University. Her academic journey was nothing short of impressive. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Ohio University in 2000 and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University in 2005. She also served on the Board of Directors of Ohio University Cutler Scholars, demonstrating her dedication to education.
She was the president and co-founder of Mount Baird Health, where she was an advocate for cancer education and research. Prior to Mount Baird, Heather spent 13 years at Promega Corporation as the global head of the clinical diagnostic market segment, Promega’s largest market segment, leading sales, marketing and product development. Heather has presented scientific evidence of the importance of biomarkers in precision medicine internationally, including in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Beyond her remarkable professional accomplishments, Heather possessed an adventurous spirit and a love for traveling. Her work took her to distant corners of the world, including Italy, France and China, where she embraced diverse cultures and experiences with open arms. These international journeys enriched her life, leaving her with treasured memories of the places she explored and the people she met.
One of Heather’s most profound accomplishments was becoming the loving and devoted mother to her daughter, Neve. Heather poured her boundless love and wisdom into nurturing Neve, ensuring that her daughter would carry forward her legacy of kindness, resilience and curiosity.
Heather’s warm and welcoming personality left a mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her ability to connect with people, her infectious laughter and her unwavering support endeared her to friends, family and colleagues alike. She was not just a beacon of inspiration through her career but also a beacon of love and friendship that illuminated the lives of everyone she encountered.
Heather’s passion for improving healthcare, her unwavering faith and her dedication to family and community will forever be remembered. Her memory will serve as a source of inspiration and hope for all those whose lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.
She is survived by her loving husband, Adam J. Tomlinson, whom she married Dec. 31, 2006; and their cherished 2-year-old daughter, Neve. Her parents, Bruce and Sue Ann Baird of Greenfield, and her grandmother, Anna Lou Lucas of Greenfield, also mourn her passing. Additionally, she leaves behind several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who held a special place in her heart.
Heather was preceded in death by two cousins, Nathan Cockerill and Jacob Hafer; and her grandparents, John Lucas, Leonard Baird Jr. and Norma McCoy.
A funeral service to celebrate Heather’s remarkable life will be held Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Greenfield First United Methodist Church. Reverend Terry Washburn and Pastor Mark Armstrong will officiate the service, and Heather will be laid to rest in the Greenfield Cemetery.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. at the Greenfield First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount Baird Health, the nonprofit organization Heather co-founded, dedicated to advancing healthcare outcomes through education and research. Donations can be made through the organization’s website at mountbairdhealth.org.
The Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to www.murrayfettro.com.