Roll Call Tribute

Stephen F. Heartwell, MD 

August 22, 1943 - December 5, 2024 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Dr. Stephen F. Heartwell, a cherished husband, dad, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. Stephen left this world on December 5th, leaving behind a legacy of passion for his work, dedication to his family, and love of adventure. Stephen was a dedicated husband to his wife, Paulette, of 51 years prior to her death in 2021.

A champion for women's reproductive health rights, Stephen devoted his life to the family planning profession, earning the admiration and respect of many around the globe. His commitment to advocating for women's rights and health was not just a job; it was a calling that he embraced wholeheartedly. Throughout his multiple careers and up until his passing, Stephen also served on several boards of directors at the state and local level promoting women's reproductive health and public health care.

After earning his Doctorate in the school of Public Health and Tropical Medicine from Tulane University, Stephen served for three years in the Peace Corps in Thailand providing care and performing a malaria study on the underserved Hmong hill tribes during the Vietnam conflict. Upon his return, he served for 32 years as a Professor and Director of the Division of Community Women's Healthcare, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. In this capacity, he treated over one million women in the United States and abroad in the furtherance of public health.

After his retirement from UT Southwestern in 2006, Stephen was chosen to serve as the Deputy Director of U.S. Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. He professionally led the department for another 10 years, funding global health initiatives at the state and national level that continue to serve women's health and the public good.

At his core, Stephen was a cowboy at heart. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially spending weekends at "the place" in Rockett, Texas. To him, his cows were more than livestock; they were like his children, embodying his deep connection to Texas life and the land he loved. An avid fisherman, hunter and admirer of wildlife, Stephen spent many hours in the great outdoors, where his passion for nature flourished. His adventurous spirit extended beyond his home state; he was particularly proud of his travels throughout Southeast Asia and his impactful years in the Peace Corps in Thailand, experiences that enriched his life and shaped his worldview.

Stephen also had an enduring passion for sports, especially his Alma Mater, Texas A&M football where he spent several years as a season ticket holder. Many family memories were made during visits to College Station to take in the Aggie spirit.

Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paulette Heartwell née Zeller; his parents, Harold and Mary Heartwell; and his dear sister, Cynthia Bisang. He is survived by his brother James Heartwell, and Stephen's children, Kevin Heartwell, Kellie Carlson, daughter-in-law, Jeannie Heartwell, son in law, William Carlson, grandchildren Dorothy Anne Heartwell, Ashley Heartwell, Annabelle Carlson, Magnus Carlson, and Sofia Carlson.

He leaves behind a family who will always cherish his memory and the lessons he imparted.

He is dearly missed by all who knew him. His wit, wisdom, and spirit will forever remain in our hearts. As we celebrate his life, we remember a man who lived with purpose, loved his family, and left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.