Though she was born an identical twin, Heidi Gleb was unquestionably one of a kind.
Born in 1959, Heidi spent her first years in Tacoma, Washington and Greeley, Colorado, as her parents finished up their degrees and her father taught Industrial Arts at the local college. The family eventually returned to Vashon Island, Washington, where Heidi’s father had grown up and her paternal grandparents still lived.
Heidi attended Burton Grade School, McMurray Middle School (where her mother also taught), and Vashon High School where she was active in several clubs and sports, a cheerleader, and was an excellent student – being awarded an important scholarship at graduation in 1977.
Heidi attended Western Washington University and Arizona State University, and at graduation joined the US Air Force. She enjoyed her service career and was stationed around the world, including particular favorites England and Turkey. Heidi quickly rose to the rank of Captain and was highly respected by those who served with her. During this time she developed her lifelong love of Volksmarches, which she pursued around the world.
Heidi ended her military career in Plattsburgh, New York, and eventually returned home to Vashon, where she followed her parents footsteps in education, spending several years with the school district there. Vashon was where she also raised her son, Jack Lorence, who was most definitely her pride and joy. During this time she also matched wits with a particularly willful Doxie named Moxie. Heidi continued her teaching career in Walla Walla and as a middle school Librarian in the Highline School District near Seattle.
With Jack grown up, Heidi’s wanderlust began to call again, and she headed back to Turkey as the Librarian/Teacher for an International School. She enjoyed that assignment immensely, as well as the opportunity to travel for pleasure. After teaching for three years in Turkey’s capital city, Ankara, Heidi took a similar position in Busan, Korea for four years.
During both overseas work assignments, Heidi’s twin sister Lesa was able to make several extended visits, giving them the opportunity for many adventures together, including visiting many historic sites in Turkey and Korea as well as around the world. Heidi was much loved on these international assignments – by friends, coworkers, parents, and students, but particularly by her primary school students.
There is little doubt she will be “that teacher” many students will remember fondly into adulthood, with her influence felt for many decades to come.
As her illness became more serious, Heidi returned to the US, settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she had long- term friends. She fought a valiant and determined battle against her foe. Heidi continued to travel as long as she could, journeying both far afield and on trips home to Washington State. She passed away at home, with her sister Lesa and son Jack at her side.
Heidi was preceded in death by her grandparents, her mother Elaine King Gleb, her father Phillip Leslie Gleb, and her younger sister Kirsten Gleb. She is survived by her son Jack Lorence, stepmother Mary L. Gleb, sister Lesa Gleb, brother Todd Gleb, several nieces and nephews, and a large extended family.
All are welcome to join the memorial service and celebration of Heidi’s life, to be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 901 North J Street, Tacoma, WA 98403-2193.
To honor Heidi’s lifelong passion of educating children, memorials are suggested to: Vashon Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 481, Vashon, WA 98070, vashonschoolsfoundation.org.
September 15, 1959 – November 2, 2023
