For me to express some kind of conflict or pain or rage about it was considered a disgusting lack of gratitude. Remembrances may be made to Oakland Catholic High School, (oaklandcatholic.org) and The Red Door, (divinemercypgh.org). In the evening of Monday, December 12, 2022, Rhodora passed away peacefully at the age of 97, in her Naples home, ready to reunite with her beloved Jack and be joyfully welcomed into heaven. Rei Hance (born Heather Donahue; December 22, 1974) is an American writer, businesswoman, and retired actress.She is known for her roles as Heather in the 1999 film The Blair Witch Project and Mary Crawford in the miniseries Taken. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. My condolences to your entire family on your loss. You touched so many people's lives and somehow I hope you're aware of that. Heather Donahue @aheatherdonahue Co-creator of The High Country, author of Growgirl, one-time actress, full-time curious human. (Of the three stars of The Blair Witch Project, only Leonard is still a working actor; Williams is now a middle-school guidance counselor.) The Blair Witch Project was then released in July of the same year, quickly becoming a huge commercial success. Lawrence. I think the age of television that we're in has been enormous for changing the medium's hostility to women. After learning she had End Stage Breast Cancer in July 2015, Heather beat the disease every excruciating morning for nearly 4 years, waking each day with a renewed will to fightlong enough to save just one more life, to make just one more difference. Heather was preceded in death by her beloved father, Edward L. Donohue. ", And Donahue, a woman who purportedly died at 24and survived a very different kind of harrowing experience in the years to followhas found the life she wants. She is also survived by other friends and relatives. Her personality was infectious and her humble spirit made you want to be in her presence just a little while longer. Heather Donahue died at age 29 years old on February 25, 2005. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. Born in Great Falls, MT, Heather graduated high school before serving proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the evening of Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, Rhodora passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in her Naples home, ready to reunite with her beloved Jack and be joyfully welcomed into heaven. She will forever remain in the hearts of her wife Rebekah, children, Christina and Jacob, and grandchild, Luna Marie; her mother, Carol G. (Balyeat) Donohue; four older sisters, little brother, and extended family; her second family at Hospital Wing and other medical facilities she served; and countless friends. July 14, 1978 - February 25, 2016 Newton, New Jersey Set a Reminder for the Anniversary of Heather's Passing. Though I only knew of Heather through my friendship with John and Zach, I have been truly saddened by her loss through how she touched their lives. Donohue family,Bill and I are heartbroken for your loss. To download this photo, the file name must have less than 255 characters. ", Donahue was talking, of course, about the most iconic and parodied moment in The Blair Witch Project: When her charactercorrectly presuming that her death is just moments awayturns the camera on herself to film a confessional apology. She also invested time with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, where she served as a Hear My Voice Community Outreach Volunteer. These are the kinds of odd concessions you're required to contemplate when your actual face and name are suddenly at the center of an out-of-the-box phenomenon like The Blair Witch Project. Published by Tribune Review from Dec. 16 to Dec. 21, 2022. I don't know my own name without it. To plant trees in memory, please visit the, Remembering - sweet Heather.. so many memories. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers; today and in the days to come. Remember she will always be with you. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Plus, The Blair Witch Project introduced the use of found footage to tell a whole story, which has now been used in countless movies like the Paranormal Activity franchise and Project X (2012). David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Rhodora was a devout Catholic, whose deep love of Jesus and His mother Mary showed through in her role as a mother, which she deeply loved, and also through her community involvement, support and leadership. Rhodora was born April 18, 1925, to William L. and Catherine O'Connor Jacob, and was the eldest of eight children. She was a relentless, benevolent force, and her impact has helped shape the lives of all who knew her well and so many others whose paths she crossed. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. So young, so vibrant--gone too soon. "That those kids are actually dead, and Josh, Mike, and I were hired so they could get away with releasing it as a film. In the aforementioned article she wrote for The Guardian, Donahue recalled being noted as dead on IMDb as a marketing tactic for "The Blair Witch Project." After she admitted she was alive in an. In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Heather Donahue jokingly said, Im like the poorest new famous person in America!. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers going out to Heather's son Zach, her fiance',& her loving family & friends. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. She also established awards across the nation, which recognized excellent performance in the classroom, church and community. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival at midnight on January 1999. I loved Heather's posts on Facebook--they were always upbeat and inspiring. Despite what the publicity surrounding her breakout role in the cult horror film The Blair Witch Project may have wanted you to believe, Heather Donahue did not disappear in those creepy old woods outside of Burkittsville, Maryland as the victim of some dark unseen supernatural force. She promoted volunteerism as a critical aspect of education. Donahue's supposed death was not the only odd thing about the original film's release. "I mean, I gave that role 110%. "I mean, really. SNYDER, Thomas John. Heather E. Rhodora's witness to faith and family will live on in the memory of all of us who knew her. During peak periods such as Valentines Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. As noted by Entertainment Weekly, "The Blair Witch Project" made far more than its budget, reaping the rewards from an actress that couldn't work and as a thanks for her silence, Donahue received a fruit basket. I am saddened by her loss. According to Rolling Stone, Donahue and her fellow actors were treated to aggressive filmmaking tactics, including the filmmakers shaking their tents loudly in the middle of the night and leaving notes meant to cause friction between the actors. Looking for a Career? Rhodora was keenly insightful into the needs of others and met this call with a generous spirit of giving and wisdom. You will never be forgotten. They had their first two children and returned to Pittsburgh in 1950, where they completed their family with 11 more children and became well-respected pillars of the community. Published by The New Jersey Herald on Feb. 26, 2016. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues. She was raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and met her husband, Jack Donahue, when she was 14 years old. There's no-recapturing the spooky 1999 phenomenoneven with a bigger budget. We were cast because there was inherent conflict in the group. She was a gracious lady and will be greatly missed. I wished i had Keep flying high my sweet Angel Heather's obituary tells a story of a life well-lived ; she was brave and fought a hard and courageous fight against disease. Funeral homes; Help and advice. Donahue's mother received a sympathy card from a distant relative who believed The Blair Witch Project was real. Aside from being humorous, she is brave, smart, and inspirational. When three actors went into the woods and filmed a movie, the entire world thought they had died during production when the footage was "released" as "The Blair Witch Project." Obituary Heather G. Donahue, 37, of Newton, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Share Obituary: Heather G Donahue. You have Tina Fey. To connect with the expanse of her network, Rhodora always found a way to foster personal connections by sending lovingly handwritten notes to share ideas, commemorate special events and celebrate milestones. The film was apparently so convincing, it was considered a legitimate documentary at the time, and Heather Donahue was believed to be dead. She began her calling as an EMT before earning her paramedic's license, her associate's and bachelor's degrees in nursing, and eventually achieving her ultimate goal of flying as a nurse for Hospital Wing. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Heather E. Donohue (Memphis, Tennessee), born in Great Falls, Montana, who passed away at the age of 46, on December 19, 2018. Born in Great Falls, MT, Heather graduated high school before serving proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. Heatherthere are so many things I want to say, but the main things are that I love you & will miss you more than you will ever know. heather donahue obituary. You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally. Part of the movies promotional marketing campaign was listing the movies main actors (Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard) as missing or downright deceased. A dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, and life saver, she died after a long, victorious fight to stave off terminal cancer. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Heather Donahue. It was the collaborative spirit of production that made my death feel especially violent. To the family,As you already know, this woman was remarkable. Shes written for publications such as El Heraldo de Mxico, Career Karma, and The Daily DIY Life. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Rest in perfect peace Heather, in the arms of your Lord. I hope that knowing people are lifting you up helps you all to cope. Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton. ", But when the subject turned to the brilliantly calibrated performance that actually made The Blair Witch Project such a success, her tone brightened. The movie follows three student filmmakers (Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard) who hike into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland, to film a documentary about the Blair Witch, a local legend. How Tia Mowry's Divorce Will Affect Her Life And Career, Mia Khalifa Might Have TikTok To Thank For Her New Career Path, Morgan Freeman Completely Silenced Mike Wallace During His 60 Minutes Interview, Debra Messing And Megan Mullally's Tension Started To Get Out Of Hand When Will & Grace Started Failing. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Donahue read her own obituary and lived in relative obscurity in Los Angeles, biding her time. But if the record still needs to be set straight, allow me to set it: Heather Donahue is alive and well, living as a writer and producer in a small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in northern California. This is a promise from Jehovah god..revelation 21:3-5, and John 5:28,29. Timothy received his Bachelor's . In fact, nowadays, The Blair Witch Project is considered one of the scariest horror movies of all time. The new Blair Witch sequel, which arrives in theaters today, centers on Donahue's brother James as he leads a group of friends into the woods to look for his missing sister. Back when the new Blair Witch was still being produced under cloak-and-dagger as a mysterious horror movie called The Woods, producer Jason Constantine invited Donahue to lunch and offered her the opportunity to appear in the movie. My deepest sympathies to her son, fianc and family. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Heather E. Donohue to show support. NEWTON -- Heather G. Donahue, 37, of Newton, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. "Being 42 is so awesome," she said. "There are still people who think that me, Mike, and Josh are actors that were hired to cover up that The Blair Witch Project was actually a snuff film," she marvels. Heather supported many nonprofits, including volunteering time in recent years with Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association's (MIFA) Meals on Wheels Program, Street Dog Rescue, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA. Hance was credited under her birth name in her acting roles and for her first book, changing it to Rei Hance sometime after 2016 and before 2021. What Has Ewan Mitchell Starred In Outside Of House Of The Dragon? Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting takes place during the spring and summer. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Friends will be received on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS INC., (freyvogelfuneralhome.com), 4900 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. I really I actually can't believe how much I loved it.". By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. You will never be forgotten. You were my daughter Tara's BEST FRIEND for so many years. Love, Joanna. Rough & Ready, CA heatherdonahue.com Joined November 2008 869 Following 1,522 Followers Tweets & replies Media Interested in @aheatherdonahue's Tweets? Rhodora was born April 18, 1925, to William L. and Catherine O'Connor Jacob, and was the eldest of eight children. But I was a 24-year-old actor so I said sorry," Donahue explained. Despite The Blair Witch Projects success, the stars of the film didnt get any richer. While she would point out that the struggle to overcome addiction never ends, she successfully embraced sobriety in 2000. Blogs; Online will; Shop. Heather's obituary tells a story of a life well-lived ; she was . "When I first heard there was going to be a new one, I was initially filled with a nameless dread," she told me. Would you like to offer Heather E. Donohues loved ones a condolence message? Donahue family may the love form the God of all comfort make your hearts firm while you trust in him for support and strength as you mourn the loss of your loved one. She is also survived by her fiancée, Christine Denman; her son, Zachary Vesci; her brothers, Arben Colaku and Agim Colaku; and sister, Lili Colaku. as part of an oral history to mark the movies 15th anniversary, 'Blair Witch': It's No 'Blair Witch Project', She covered that story in more detail in her 2012 memoir. Heather will be missed by many. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA. With heartfelt appreciation, the Donahue family thanks . Her family and friends will continue to be in prayers for comfort. "No ingenue was willing to be so unfuckable. Donohue, HeatherWith terrible sadness, the family of Heather Eileen Donohue announces her passing on December 19, 2018 at the age of 46 years. Just think about John Carpenters Halloween (1978), Wes Cravens A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), or, most recently, The Blair Witch Project (1999). With heartfelt appreciation, the Donahue family thanks caregivers in Naples, Ligonier and Pittsburgh who have assisted Mrs. Donahue, as well as friends for their well-wishes, prayers and assistance. Thank-you very much for your service !!! Heather E. Donohue of Germantown, TN October 27, 1972 - December 19, 2018 Donohue, Heather With terrible sadness, the family of Heather Eileen Donohue announces her passing on December 19, 2018 at the age of 46 years. If you've seen The Blair Witch Projectand based on the box-office numbers, you probably haveyou might feel like you've personally witnessed the death of Heather Donahue, the 24-year-old woman at the center of the greatest overnight success in movie history. I didn't know you. "Only out of budgetary and time restriction reasons. Donahue had just left the theater after seeing the new Blair Witchwhich had originally filled her with so much dreadand she couldn't contain her excitement. May the comfort of the Lord be with the Family during this time and my prayers are with you. Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton. Survived by his parents, Terrence W. and Lindy (Arch) Donahue; his son, Nate Donahue; siblings; Marybeth Irvin (Randy) and Wayne Donahue (Holly); and his nephews, Cameron and Landon Donahue. Make a Memorial Donation . When Donahue and I first spoke in 2014, as part of an oral history to mark the movies 15th anniversary, her memories of actually filming the movie were largely positivebut her memories of everything that came after were often painful. A unique and . Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. Once again, Blair Witch mythology would have you believe something different. It's quite a thing to crawl out from under: To have your obituary actually written when youre 24, in both literal and figurative ways. My snot-flooded portrait was back. Those films that gain popularity can even go on to become an important part of modern-day pop culture. All Right Reserved, 201 North Pine Street | West Memphis, TN72303 | 870-735-1000. ", Back then, when I asked her how she felt about The Blair Witch Project after so much time had passed, she told me her feelings were in flux almost every day. Keats TUES-SAT To plant trees in memory, please visit the. I've done so much else. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland, Pittsburgh. ", The problem, as it turned out, was that the verisimilitude required to sell the performance made it hard for a portion of the audience to separate Heather Donahue the Actress from Heather Donahue the Characterand more to the point, made it hard for a potion of the audience to appreciate how much work Donahue had put into crafting a protagonist so obsessed with chronicling the Blair Witch that she wouldn't turn the camera off. But that was the thrill! DONAHUE II of Westlake, Ohio and Bemus Point, NY, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 17th, 2018 with his adoring wife Kathleen L. Komnenovich, and daughter, Kaylie Donahue, by his side. Mercy College (now Carlow University) in 1947, Rhodora spent three years in Roswell, N.M., where Jack, as a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, served in the Air Force. Be with the family, as you already know, this family history biography for... 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