Heather Leigh Newell of New Orleans, Louisiana passed away on March 10, 2021, following a six-year confrontation with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Heather was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Charles P. Newell, Jr. and Patricia Taylor Cole. She grew up in Starkville, Mississippi, graduating from Starkville High School and Mississippi State University.

 Heather moved to New Orleans following her university graduation. On her arrival to the city she had grown to love during her formative years, she became a vendor in The French Market selling handmade glass art and jewelry and maintained her status there for over 20 years, growing to love and respect the many entrepreneurs who, as immigrants, were forced through circumstance to relinquish their homes and professional careers in search of better lives. These feelings were returned by her many international friends who fondly called her “Mississippi.”

 In 2005, following her plan to be an independent business owner, Heather opened her first store, Le Jardin, in the heart of the French Quarter. The dream was almost immediately destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. During the aftermath of Katrina, while reestablishing Le Jardin, she became reacquainted with an old friend from the French Market, Berhane Habtezion, who became the love of her life. Heather and “B” were married by Reverend Tony in The French Quarter Wedding Chapel in 2008. In 2011 they opened their second store Adorn, located next door to Le Jardin. After working together in Le Jardin for 5 years, they now worked side-by-side for the next ten years.

 Together they formed a strong support system for many talented but struggling artists, and also for the marginal population of their neighborhood, providing support ranging from meals and clothing to transportation and dental work. Heather will be missed by these individuals with whom she shared friendships.

 Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband and daughter, Berhane Habtezion and Mary Halina Habtezion. She is also survived by her mother Patricia Taylor Cole, her father Charles P. Newell, Jr., his wife Annette, her sisters Amy Newell and Joy Newell-Henderson and her husband Hunter and their children Jadyn, Jace and Joyner, her stepbrother John Cole and stepsister Caroline Cole.

 Heather is also survived by her husband’s supportive and loving family, including her mother-in-law Malik Mehari Eyeram, five sisters-in-law, Genet Pamphilis, her husband Alex and their son Andrew; Lily Newgren, her husband Victor and their sons Ethan and Aaron; Lia Habtesion and her son Matthew; Wenta Habetesion and her son Malik; and Ababa Habtesion and two brothers-in-law Abraham Habtesion and Pawlos Habtesion.

 In tribute to Heather’s love for all things New Orleans, a celebration of life will take place on Sunday, August 22 and will include a second line, favorite musical group and stops at favorite bars.

 Memorials may be directed to Second Harvest Food Bank, 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123, https://no-hunger.org/ or a charity of choice.