Celebrating the life of
Donna Marchae Heinsbroek
April 03, 1955 - May 14, 2016
Donna Marchae Heinsbroek, née Perry, of Washington DC, died on May 5, 2016, at the age of 61. Donna excelled in everything she did in her life through sheer willpower and dedication, both professionally and in sports. Her career highlights were: three years at the White House under President George H.W. Bush centered around the Gulf War; and Secretary of the Year Award at the State Department in 1995. As an athlete she played semi-professional softball and was a US amateur tennis champion twice. Bridge became her passion in 2008 and in 2014 she became North American Mini McKinney bridge champion in her category.
Donna touched the hearts of numerous people and made her husband the happiest he has ever been. Donna waged the fight against cancer despite the odds and prolonged the fight for almost three years. Donna lived these years upbeat and with reckless abandon until her involuntary surrender.
Her mother Ernestine, husband Hans , children Anthony, Ameka, Elise and Alex, sister Cassandra and brothers Cornelius, Maurice, Ronald, Reginald and Timothy, sisters-in-law Tiajuana and Debra, all family members and friends will cherish the memorable moments Donna generated in their lives.
Donna will be cremated on Friday 13 May in a private ceremony. On Saturday 14 May at 11:00, Father Gabe Cummings, Pastor, will officiate the Funeral Mass at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 11500 Middleground Road, Savannah GA 31419-1227. All are welcome to attend. Please, no floral arrangements (small bouquets are welcome), no donations. Instead, pay it forward: make a kind gesture to someone in Donna’s honor. On Saturday 14 May from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m, a reception will be held at the Savannah Duplicate Bridge Club, 8511 Ferguson Ave., Savannah, GA. All are welcome to celebrate Donna’s life.
A life of service to others we all strive to attain. Some excel at it more than others. We pray that others step up so no void is ever experienced and the work goes on. The lost may be profound, but the memories of dear ones are cherished forever.
- The Coleman Family, Savannah, Ga
A courageous and wonderful lady
- Lilian Stoltzman, Savannah, Ga
Donna was such a bright light on this earth. We knew each other from the 70's when we played softball together and then went on to tennis. She excelled in both sports and we enjoyed many good times with her three children as they grew up into lovely adults!! My heartfelt condolences to Hans who she loved dearly. That was the happiest I have seen her was when she met Hans. Thank you for making her days the best ever. We will miss your vibe on this earth Donna. Loving you forever. I will serve up an ace for you for sure!! God Bless You and glad you are at peace now!! Love always, Mike and Syl Okala
- Sylvia and Michael OKALA, Takoma Park,, MD
So sad to hear of Donna's passing. Talking with her at the Bridge Center was always an inspiration, she handled her illness with such grace and dignity, always cheerful and upbeat. Such a great Lady. Our hearts break for the family. She will be missed.
- Vicki Anckner, Savannah, GA
We met Donna in Lagos, Nigeria in 1982, and quickly became close friends. Donna was an amazing tennis player and we enjoyed many times together in Lagos. We ran into her several years later just after her marriage to Hans and remember how happy she was and so excited that we could meet him. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to her family. May she rest in peace.
- James & Shirley McGee, Bradenton, Fl
I met Donna at Low Country Cancer Care and always admired her bright smile and her wonderful attitude. I know that she lived her life to the fullest, staying active with her bridge and tennis. Will miss seeing her smiling face. Peace and prayers to Hans and family
- Regina Herzog, Savannah, GA
Donna was one of the most amazing Ladies I have ever known. Her smile came from her huge heart. May God grant her eternal peace. I will miss her.
- Judyann Schnorf, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Hans we were sadden to hear about the loss of your heart. We do not offer condolences, but prayers for your strength to handle your continuing life. We know you won't get over this, but with Godsr help, you will get through it. If there is anything we can do to help you, please don't hesitate to call. (917)971-9709.
- Clifford & Arlene Maxwell, Savannah, GA
A life of service to others we all strive to attain. Some excel at it more than others. We pray that others step up so no void is ever experienced and the work goes on. The lost may be profound, but the memories of dear ones are cherished forever.
- The Coleman Family, Savannah, Ga
A courageous and wonderful lady
- Lilian Stoltzman, Savannah, Ga
Donna was such a bright light on this earth. We knew each other from the 70's when we played softball together and then went on to tennis. She excelled in both sports and we enjoyed many good times with her three children as they grew up into lovely adults!! My heartfelt condolences to Hans who she loved dearly. That was the happiest I have seen her was when she met Hans. Thank you for making her days the best ever. We will miss your vibe on this earth Donna. Loving you forever. I will serve up an ace for you for sure!! God Bless You and glad you are at peace now!! Love always, Mike and Syl Okala
- Sylvia and Michael OKALA, Takoma Park,, MD
So sad to hear of Donna's passing. Talking with her at the Bridge Center was always an inspiration, she handled her illness with such grace and dignity, always cheerful and upbeat. Such a great Lady. Our hearts break for the family. She will be missed.
- Vicki Anckner, Savannah, GA
We met Donna in Lagos, Nigeria in 1982, and quickly became close friends. Donna was an amazing tennis player and we enjoyed many times together in Lagos. We ran into her several years later just after her marriage to Hans and remember how happy she was and so excited that we could meet him. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to her family. May she rest in peace.
- James & Shirley McGee, Bradenton, Fl
I met Donna at Low Country Cancer Care and always admired her bright smile and her wonderful attitude. I know that she lived her life to the fullest, staying active with her bridge and tennis. Will miss seeing her smiling face. Peace and prayers to Hans and family
- Regina Herzog, Savannah, GA
Donna was one of the most amazing Ladies I have ever known. Her smile came from her huge heart. May God grant her eternal peace. I will miss her.
- Judyann Schnorf, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Hans we were sadden to hear about the loss of your heart. We do not offer condolences, but prayers for your strength to handle your continuing life. We know you won't get over this, but with Godsr help, you will get through it. If there is anything we can do to help you, please don't hesitate to call. (917)971-9709.
- Clifford & Arlene Maxwell, Savannah, GA
Donna meant so much to me as a bridge partner and a person who helped me bridge to the next phase of my life. we learned from each other; we helped each other; and we had fun!
- Jerren Gould, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
