Heidemarie Glasser

Heidemarie Glasser, the loving wife of Wolfgang; beloved sister to Margit; cherished mother to her children Christine and Stephan and their respective spouses Chris and Andrea; and devoted Oma to Noah, Emma, and Ethan, died peacefully in her bed on May 3, 2025, due to complications from illness. She was surrounded by her loving family at her residence in Richmond. She was 82.

Born on October 20, 1942, in Munich, Germany, to Herbert and Alma Johanna Reinecke, Heidemarie—known affectionately as Heidi—began her early life in Hundham, Germany, before her family relocated to Brazil. She earned a degree in mathematics from a university in Brazil, then returned to Germany to work as a programmer for NDR in Hamburg.

It was during this time that she met her future husband, Wolfgang Glasser. The two married in 1969 and soon after moved to the United States, where they settled in Seattle, Washington. While Wolfgang pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Washington, Heidi earned her master’s degree in computer science.

In 1972, she gave birth to their first child, Christine, and shortly thereafter the family moved to Blacksburg, Virginia—where they would make their home for the next 36 years. Their second child, Stephan, was born in 1974.

Heidi worked alongside Wolfgang as a computer science consultant, and together they were honored with the George Olmstead Award by the American Paper Institute which formed the basis of worldwide professional activities for many years. She continued consulting while raising her children, and became known for her warmth, intellect, and vibrant passions: she was a skilled chef, an enthusiastic travel planner, a voracious reader, and a fiery tennis player. She also loved gardening, going so far as to get a Master Gardener certification.

Beyond her personal and professional accomplishments, Heidi loved to stay in touch with her family in all corners of the world, and generously hosted friends from near and far in their home, treating them like family.

In lieu of a memorial service or flowers, the family invites friends to share stories and memories, which will be compiled and shared in her honor. Donations may be made to the Crater Community Hospice or Doctors Without Borders.