Donna Lee Heckman

Donna Lee Heckman (née Edinger), 78, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, in Laureldale, Pennsylvania, born in Reading, Pennsylvania on July 16, 1946, and where she lived a life of service, strength, and spirited advocacy.

Donna’s professional journey was marked by an extraordinary ability to adapt and excel. A woman who could key numbers and type like the devil was chasing her fingers, she navigated the evolving world of bookkeeping with remarkable skill—from hand-written ledgers to punch cards to computerized spreadsheets. Her career spanned a wide array of organizations whose missions she deeply believed in, including the U.S. Government, Model Cities, BCIU, Easter Seals of Pennsylvania, Reading High School, Reading Public Museum, RACC, and the Olivet Boys and Girls Club. Donna poured her heart into every role she held, often working late into the night crafting compelling grant proposals that helped sustain and grow the causes she championed.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Donna had a profound impact as an educator. She took great pride in teaching at Reading High School and RACC, sharing her talents with students and celebrating their successes as if they were her own. She also served as a sponsor for student organizations such as FBLA and Ba Ba Na Kaka clubs at RHS, where her love for community shone brightly.

Donna was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and equality. She raised her voice in protest and support wherever needed and made history by being the first woman to attempt to become a volunteer firefighter in Reading—an effort that spoke volumes about her courage and determination even though it was ultimately denied. She also was a foundational member of the organization Women Against Rape, which is now Safe Berks.  She reveled in the fact that local bigots had a great dislike for her when she was a young woman back in the 60s and 70s, always standing up for what she knew was the right thing and was an advocate for all in our community even after she could no longer show up in person.

Her talents extended far beyond the workplace. Donna had a beautiful voice that graced many choirs over the years. She was an exceptional cook and cake decorator; her crowning culinary achievement was the enormous and stunning wedding cake she created for her son and his bride. Her love for animals knew no bounds.  She once took finding a caiman in the bathtub in stride—and she spent years supporting her daughter’s involvement in 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Club meetings and shows and doting on her pet cat.  She also was an avid reader, enjoying every genre from Christian fellowship to suspense, history and even the occasional romance novel, she loved knowledge and that touch of excitement she gained through her reading.  She passed that passion on through her generations from children to grandchildren and now onto her great-grandchildren through them. 

Above all else, Donna’s heart belonged to her family. Her love was unwavering through every season of life—steadfast, unconditional, fierce. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Lloyd W. Heckman, husband of Robin (Snyder), and Susan Ringer and her partner Robert Bechtel; grandchildren Aaron, Todd Jr., and Rachael Ringer; bonus grandchild Christopher Murray; and great-grandchildren Kayden, Charles, Avali, Aaron Jr., Alexander, Lilith and Rosair. Her siblings Donald Edinger, Daniel Edinger, and Diane Herr survive her as well as niece Jennifer Brunguard; nephews Timothy Cements and Christopher Edinger; several aunts; numerous cousins and other extended family members; and countless friends whose lives were touched by her generosity and warmth.

Donna was predeceased by her parents Donald and June (Seidel) Edinger and her brother Timothy.

She will be remembered as strong—even when she didn’t believe it herself—loving, intelligent, talented, caring, gregarious, generous, kind, and above all else, a fighter for those she loved.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to honor Donna's life and legacy.

May Donna’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be part of her journey.

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