Heather M. Donahue, 53

MEREDITH — Heather Marie Donahue; loving mother, devoted wife, doting Mimi, friend to all and mentor to many, passed away at home on May 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Heather was born on Feb. 4, 1971, in Tampa, Florida, to James and Kathleen (née Brookshire) Tibbs. She graduated from Springstead High School in Springhill, Florida, and worked as a veterinary technician.

Heather moved to North Carolina in 1992, where she met the love of her life, John Donahue, and the two were married on Nov. 26, 1994, and started a family.

They moved the family north in 1996, finally settling in Meredith, in 1999.

Heather immersed herself in her family and community. She began training in the Montessori Method and became a Montessori teacher, “Teacher Heather,” for five years in a private preschool. In 2011, she began working as a special education paraeducator at Inter-Lakes Elementary School in the preschool classroom where she was known as “Mrs. D.” or "D." She also volunteered many years with the ILMA Football Boosters, serving in many capacities, including vice president, co-president and president.

Heather loved her work, she loved her "kiddos" and she loved her co-workers. More importantly, she felt loved by everyone she interacted with at school. She lived by the simple philosophy of just being kind to the people you meet.

Heather was predeceased by her mother, Kathleen Tibbs; her mother-in-law, Jane Donahue; her maternal grandmother, Susan Brookshire; and her paternal grandparents, Doris and William Tibbs

Heather is survived by her husband of almost 30 years, John Donahue; their sons, Alex, Jack (Natilly) and Owen; as well as her two grandsons, Levii and Arthur, all of Meredith; her father, James Tibbs; her brother, Casey and his three sons, Seth, Connor and Joshua, all of Brooksville, Florida; her father-in-law, Jack Donahue of Meredith; her sisters-in-law, Dr. Tina (Jessie) Green of Haymarket, Virginia, Sara (Patrick Troy) Donahue of Ashland, Barabara (Clifford) Teague of Kingston, Massachusetts, Colleen (Wayne) Ahlquist of Meredith, Kathy (Mike) Gallagher of Ossipee, and Franceine Clemente of Laconia; and her brother-in-law, Tim Donahue of Meredith. Heather also leaves many, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all of whom she loved very much.

A graveside service will be held for Heather at Meredith Village Cemetery on Route 3 in Meredith, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, with Pastor Joshua Brown officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at the Meredith Community Center, 1 Circle Drive.

In lieu of flowers or donations the family is asking that you hug your loved ones and be kind to each other.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, visit mayhewfuneralhomes.com.