Obituary of Heidi P. DeMaso

Heidi P. DeMaso passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025 at her home in Cortland, NY. Heidi was born on December 27, 1947 during the Great Blizzard of 1947 in Hartford, CT. Heidi was cherished as a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Kristen (Kinley Koop) Lockhart, her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Ian Lockhart, her brothers, Russell (Robert Burns) and Alan Peterson, her brother-in-laws, Fred (Mary Ellen Devlin) DeMaso and Stuart Grasmeyer, and special friends, the Barber family (Annette, Dennis, Joshua, Samantha, and Helaena). She is also survived by several cousins. Heidi was pre-deceased by her son, Kevin, her parents, William and Marjorie Peterson, her sister, Gloria Peterson, and her ex-husband, Joseph DeMaso.

Heidi earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland. She was a teacher’s aide at Homer Central High School for several years, then became a social worker, helping many teens and families in Cortland County. Heidi enjoyed her retirement after working for so many years.

Heidi was well-known for her quick sense of humor and her love of being a grandmother to Kaitlyn and Ian. She was so proud of her grandchildren, for who they are and how devoted they are to their education. She enjoyed having her “one and only” dog Tanner. She enjoyed her vacations in Maine and Cape Cod with her family. Heidi had an amazing circle of friends, often spending time with them having coffee, talking, and visiting the bagel shop. She spent most Wednesday nights at the Barber family’s home having dinner. Heidi enjoyed going to concerts and Broadway shows, seeing over 10 concerts and shows in her last year of life, including the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert with her daughter. Heidi followed all things about pop culture. She loved streaming shows, listening to music, and reading.

Family and friends can join us at Glenwood Cemetery for a graveside service on Saturday, November 1 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Center for the Arts of Homer, a place she loved, in memory of Heidi. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y.