Heidi Herrick DiCapua, 84, of Ojai, CA passed away August 12.
Born as Harriet on April 28, 1936 in Manhattan, NY to Newbold Lawrence Herrick, Jr and Harriet Thacher Herrick, she quickly borrowed her mother’s nickname Heidi.
Her first years were primarily spent in New York, where she attended Lawrence School, The Masters School and Skidmore College, where she earned her nursing degree. She would later go on to earn a master's degree at Adelphi University and work toward a doctoral degree at Columbia University.
Heidi’s focus on academics was not surprising given her family tree. Her grandfather, Sherman Day Thacher, founded The Thacher School, Her grandfather, Thomas Anthony Thacher, was one of the longest serving professors in Yale University’s history. Her ancestor Roger Sherman was treasurer at Yale (before signing the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution).
It was at Coney Island in 1957 during her nursing internship years that she would meet Peter DiCapua. They would go on to marry, at the Church of St Vincent Ferrer (NYC) in 1960. Over the years, they would live in Brooklyn, followed by Malvern, NY and then settle in her hometown, Lawrence, NY in 1969. There she helped put down roots, reconnect with childhood friends and raise three sons. Once their boys had grown, she and Peter began spending more time in Ojai, eventually relocating there permanently in the 1990’s.
Heidi was as comfortable in an evening gown dancing to Lester Lanin as she was in overalls harvesting Swiss chard and zucchini. She was a master of any sport involving a racquet, regularly winning club tournaments on both coasts in tennis, squash and paddle tennis. She played with determination and grace, and somehow left those she defeated liking her even more. From her mother she developed a life-long passion for reading and bridge. And she helped pass on her verve for hearts to her grandsons by playing countless hands with them whenever they were together. In the 1970’s she learned that the Portugese Water Dog breed had flirted with extinction, so she decided to help by raising, breeding and even showing them (including appearances at The Westminster). Heidi was a dedicated quilter. She crafted dozens of intricate masterpieces and selflessly gave each away to family and friends to mark a special occasion.
Heidi will be missed by the many people who thought of her as a good friend. Her words and actions brought laughter, warmth, joy and inspiration to those she touched. She did her part to make the world a better place.
Heidi is survived by her husband of 60 years, Peter, her sons Anthony of Ojai, Lawrence (wife Brooke) of New Canaan, CT and Peter, Jr of New Milford, CT; her two grandsons Henry and Blake; her brothers Newbold Herrick (wife Georgia) and Sherman Herrick (wife Camie) and 13 nephews and nieces.
Due to the COVID pandemic, a memorial service has not yet been scheduled. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Ojai, CA.
Arrangements are private and under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.