Carrie Heilman UVA Death, Obituary – Swimmer Thomas Heilman mother Carrie Heilman has passed away – The University of Virginia community is mourning the loss of Carrie Heilman, a respected professor, faculty athletics representative, and devoted mother, who passed away on February 26, 2026.
A longtime member of the McIntire School of Commerce faculty at the University of Virginia (UVA), Carrie was widely admired for her passion for teaching, mentorship, and her deep commitment to the academic and personal success of her students. She held roles that bridged academics and athletics, serving as the University’s faculty athletics representative, a position in which she advocated for student-athletes and supported their academic and sporting pursuits.
Carrie’s career at UVA was marked by excellence in the classroom and in the broader University community. She received accolades for her teaching and was known for helping students grow through practical experiences and supportive mentorship. Her love of learning and ability to connect classroom lessons to real-world challenges made her a beloved figure among colleagues and students alike.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carrie was cherished for her devotion to her family. She was the mother of Thomas Heilman, the American competitive swimmer who has achieved national and international success, including competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Carrie’s support, encouragement, and pride in her children were known to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on not only through her contributions to education and athletics but also through her children, who continue to make their mark in the world.
Friends, former students, and colleagues remembered Carrie as a source of kindness, strength, and inspiration — someone who invested deeply in the people around her and who made a lasting, positive impact on the UVA community.
Details regarding funeral services or memorial arrangements have not yet been publicly released. Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by her work are invited to honor her memory and legacy.
