Obituaries
Donna E. Heim, 67
June 03, 2020
Our beautiful, perfect “mama,” Donna Ellen (Webber) Heim, stopped gracing this earth with her presence on June 3, 2020. She was 67 years old.
She left behind her true soulmate and husband of 43 years, Wayne “Anthony” Heim, their two fur babies Chloe and Joey, two daughters, Lindsey Elias and Jamie Heim, and four grandchildren, Jaylin, Lily, Owen and Eloise; all of whom love her beyond measure.
Her life brought a light and boundless
energy into the world that will never be replaced. She was our universe—short in stature but able to command a room anytime she entered.
She loved incomparably, gave selflessly, and was always there exactly when you needed her most.
Mom would be your #1 cheerleader—(unless you had challenged her to some sort of game, in which case she’d quickly become your fiercest competitor.)
She loved pineapples, puppies, and flowers, could eat a large banana split in a single sitting, and became passionate about anything that anyone she loved was passionate about (Penn State Wrestling’s #1 fan forever.)
She spent her free time, after a long career being the most amazing English teacher, journaling, reading, playing pickle ball, and adventuring hand-in-hand with her best friend and other half—her husband.
Her laugh was contagious—and always rang out the loudest at her own jokes. We will miss it so much.
It’s impossible to capture her magnificence or the impact she had on so many lives in words…and it will be impossible to fill the void she leaves behind.
Thank you for being our everything, sweet mama. If love could bring you back, we’d have a million lifetimes together, and it still wouldn’t be enough; but we are so grateful for every moment you blessed us with.
. . .
WDLJ always.
Our mother deserves to be celebrated. Please join us for a celebration of life at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster at a later date. Details to follow. As she would have requested, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of 3 animal shelters she loved dearly:
• Save a Yorkie Rescue (where Mom served as a volunteer & foster parent)
• Speranza Animal Rescue
• Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
July 04, 2020
Dear Heim Family,
It has been an honor to get to know Donna over these last years, and to learn how special she is. Always upbeat, always giving-this is how I will remember her. And I will be certain to look for a part of her wonderful smile in the beautiful faces of her grandchildren.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Alice Gibbons
June 25, 2020
I was so saddened to read the news of Donna’s recent passing. I know there is a void in all of your hearts that only God’s grace can fill. My prayers are with all of you.
She truly was a remarkable person and educator. I’ll never forget her vibrant personality and contagious enthusiasm for learning ~ what a wonderful role model for her students. I was blessed to become her friend during my early years of teaching at Manheim Central when she decided to take on yet another educational degree – this time ESL certification. We laughed our way through the coursework and I missed her when she moved away. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that she touched many people’s hearts and that her light will live on in those she knew.
Linnea Iles
June 24, 2020
Dear Wayne and your entire family,
I am saddened by the news of Donna’s passing. Halstead Street, Newton High School, Lenape Valley, what fond memories of a vivacious, energetic, kind, and pretty lady. You and Donna could not have been more perfect for each other. May you find comfort in your love for each other and her legacy. So sad.
James Taylor
June 20, 2020
Dear Jamie and your whole family,
Really there are no words for how sad we feel for you. Your mom was so very kind and we know that she was your dearest friend. We can only hope and pray that time will be a good healer. God Bless you all and keep you safe. Love, Aunt Peggy, Uncle Ray, Teddy, Trevor and Katelyn
June 19, 2020
Wayne, Lindsey, and Jamie,
May God who sees your grieving heart, and hears each tender prayer, be ever near to give you peace, and keep you in His care.
I’m so very sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. Cherish the fond memories you have of her. She lives on in your hearts and through her grandchildren.
I had the privilege of teaching with Donna the few years she taught at Manheim Central Middle School. Though petite in stature, the students she taught respected her greatly. She showed true compassion for every student who walked into her classroom. Her life has made an impact on many. She was a wonderful woman to work with.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jeanette Gruber
June 18, 2020
Dear Wayne, Words cannot express how deeply sad I was when I read about Donna. I remember the two of you at our reunion picnic. You both were always smiling and so full of life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May all your wonderful memories help to give you comfort. You have my deepest sympathies. Pat Beck
June 17, 2020
I was very sad to get the news of your lovely wife and your best friends passing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family take care of yourself Kathi Kreiser Hodgen
June 17, 2020
My sincere sympathy Wayne and to your family of the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in your fond memories that you all shared with Donna.
Charline Shaub
June 17, 2020
My deepest condolence to Wayne and his family.
Mary Gainer Glanski
June 14, 2020
Dear Wayne, Lindsey, and Jamie,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Donna. I’ll pray for your comfort during this difficult time.
Bernadette Pudlo
June 12, 2020
My sincere condolences to you Wayne and your girls. Donna was a fine happy dear soul. I was shocked to hear about this today June 12th. I will say prayers for you and your daughters that your are comforted by our Lord and savior. May he wrap his arms around all of you and take away your pain and heal your broken hearts.
Marilyn Hobday
June 12, 2020
Wayne, Lindsey and Jamie,
Donna touched many hearts, carry her memories and etch them into your hearts. Take care and find her love and peace in your lives. God bless you.
John and Barbara Titus
June 11, 2020
Wayne and family,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Donna’s passing. She was a wonderful person; bright, lively and a pleasure to be around. Simply not enough adjectives. May God bless you all.
Vinnie and Rosie Rineer
June 09, 2020
Wayne, we were so very sorry to read of Donna’s passing in Sunday’s paper…such a beautifully written tribute to her! Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you with our hearts and remembering you with our prayers. May God’s loving hand help to heal your sadness and bless your heart with His perfect peace. Dan and I celebrate Donna’s life with you.
Jackie & Dan Hagy
June 07, 2020
Wayne, so sorry to hear about your loss!
Larry Groff
June 07, 2020
We were neighbors to Wayne and Donna and as many of the neighbors have we quickly became friends. My boys grew up with Jamie and Lindsey and were sad when they moved away. I will always remember when the girls “cut” Adams hair !!. Donna felt bad and couldnt stop apologizing. She was so sweet, kind , and thoughful. We lost Denny very suddenly in March so we know what you are going through right now. The love and prayers of friends and family will get you through this difficult time. Brenda Houck , Adam and Shane
June 07, 2020
Donna and I began our teaching careers together at Lenape Valley high school. We had so much fun there and we learned so much from each other and from our students! I was able to be there for Wayne and Donna’s 40th wedding anniversary which was such a pleasure! It was great to see them and to meet the rest of the family. I am so sorry to hear of her sudden passing. She will be missed. Joanne
June 07, 2020
When I first started teaching at Lenape Valley I met both Donna and Wayne Heim. Although their careers soon took them to Pennsylvania they left a lasting impression On both students and colleagues alike. Both were outstanding teachers and beautiful persons. My heart goes out to Wayne and his family. Fortunate are those who can say Donna Heim was my teacher; Donna Heim was my friend. Rest in peace dear friend.
Doug deMarrais
June 07, 2020
Deepest condolences to Wayne and the entire family. Rest in peace.
Jerry Beaver
June 07, 2020
My most sincere condolences to the family. Prayers and thoughts to all.
Andrew Griffiths
June 07, 2020
It was a shock to see Donna’s beautiful face on the obituaries. So sorry with love for the whole family.
Annabelle Hargreaves
June 07, 2020
Mrs. Heimwas one of the BEST teachers & people I have had honor to be taught by. I actually had Mr. Heim but Mrs. Heim you knew because her presence was all over the hallways of Lenape Valley. She the kindest, positive person to know. Great educators her & Mr. Heim she will be missed by all
Pamela Magnuson
June 07, 2020
I am very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I hope that you will find peace in the wonderful memories of special times you have shared together.
Ralph Hutchison
June 07, 2020
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you all during this very difficult time. She was a wonderful person and will be missed beyond words. Love to you all. Paula, Dan, Anthony and Michael Petti
June 07, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that nothing I say will take away your pain. I remember talking to your mother during Jaylin’s baseball games. We always had good conversations and yes it was mainly about dogs and sports. She was very sweet and kind and I appreciated her. I know she cared and loved you so much and she loved all of her grandchildren. She was definitely a light in this world. I know that you will hold on to all of the fond memories that you have with her.
Daniel Vazquez
June 06, 2020
Patti and I were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our friend Donna. Know that in all of our collective memories your wife, mother, and grandmother will continue to be with us to fill our hearts with love and joy.
Tom Lusto
June 06, 2020
I miss you so much sweet sister but I know you are in a better place with your Mama, Jeff and your Dad.
Already I am missing our “chats” together, emails, coffee in the morning and our sweet nite nites at the end of our days. We may have been miles apart, but we were always in each others hearts.
I will do my best to be there for your girls, I could never replace their Mama as we talked but I’m there when and if they need anything.
I was so happy that you found your solemate and best bud Wayne………..he is a treasure and I am so happy he took such good care of you. Gary and I are also there for him.
I have such many great memories of our life together since we were born till just a day before you passed. Your Dad called my Mom up the day you were born and said, “You have your little girl, now I have mine and they will be the best buds for their lives”. He was so right Donna…………we were best of buds our whole lives.
RIP sweet sister………………..Love U
