Mrs. Heather Lynn Hogaboom

Beloved Wife, Mother and Daughter

WOLCOTT- Heather Lynn (Podzunas) Hogaboom age 39, of Wolcott, passed away peacefully
surrounded by the love and comfort of her family after a courageous battle with cancer at the
Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. She was the wife of James Hogaboom II.
Heather was born May 23rd 1983 In Waterbury, CT, the daughter of Albert Podzunas Jr. and
Monica (Lapointe) Valentien. A, mostly, lifelong Wolcott resident, Heather graduated from
Wolcott High School in 2001.
Heather’s love for learning never ceased and she continued her education throughout her life,
earning multiple degrees in social and medical work. Being at Central Connecticut State
University earning a BA in 2004. While working with children at Webster House in New Britain,
Ct she discovered her love of nursing and began her next educational journey at Naugatuck
Valley Community College earning 2 degrees (Nursing and General Studies) in 2013 she
furthered her love of nursing at, Western Connecticut State University earning a BA in
Science/Nursing, and finally Regis College earning her Master’s in Nursing. Heather loved
working at the Institute of Living in Hartford as a Nursing Coordinator where she positively
impacted many people's lives. As accomplished as Heather was, she always cherished her
time working at Outback Steakhouse in Southington, where she met her dedicated husband,
James and many dear friends. She, always the hard worker, also was a counselor and RN at
the Webster House Group Home of New Britain, charge nurse for Bristol Hospital’s Psychology
Unit, and Shift Coordinator for Hartford Healthcare’s Institute of Living. Heather lived for others
and was always caring for everyone else's needs above her own and loved to put a smile on
everyone's face. Heather loved to travel, and was proud of her travel resume. She experienced
authentic cuisine in China, saw the Northern Lights in Iceland, hiked Mt. Vesuvius in Italy,
Gambled in a Monte Carlo casino, climbed the spires in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona,
snorkeled the waters of Aruba and many other memorable places. Heather had a big sense of
adventure and a little bit of a wild side. She was a foodie and loved trying new restaurants.
Heather was a die-hard Greenbay Packers fan with a celebrity crush on Brett Farvre. She
embraced her curves because big is beautiful. Heather was a hard worker and had a charitable
heart. She had many friends that she adored and who adored her in return. She was an
amazing wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, co-worker and person. She will be missed
incredibly. We are better people for having known Heather.
Heather lived for others and was always caring for everyone else's needs above her own and
couldn’t help but put a smile on everyone’s face. There was nothing more important to
Heather than her husband, son, family, friends and fur babies. She was always happiest while
being surrounded by all of them and entertaining in her home.
Mere words are but a feeble attempt to express our family’s gratitude for the care and love that
the Nurses and staff at The Hospital of Central Connecticut Central 5 shared with Heather and
all of us during her illness.
Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memory, besides her husband of 7 years, James are

her son, Jordan Hogaboom, her parents, Albert and Paula Podzunas Jr, and Monica and
Bruce (Lapointe) Valentien., her siblings; Albert Podzunas III of Prospect, Daniel Podzunas of
Wolcott, Benjamin Podzunas of Wolcott, Edward Podzunas of Wolcott, Melissa Wargo and her
husband, Robert of Las Vegas, Angela Podzunas of Wolcott, her fur babies; Emily and Chloe,
best friend Keri (Garcia) Verbickas and god daughter Koralie Verbickas as well as other
extended family members and many friends.
A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Heather’s life will be held on Saturday, May 13th 2023 from
12:00 noon till 3:00 pm at Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and cremation care at
1987 East Main St Waterbury, CT 06705. Burial will be held privately and at the convenience
of her family. To honor Heather’s memory and at her request, those attending the gathering
are asked to dress in bright-colored clothing. Loving kindness is always welcome, a message
of condolence, words of comfort, or sharing a memory with the family and friends of someone
important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so