Heather D. Starr

Heather was born in St Louis to the late John Talbot Donnell and Gloria [nee Moore] Donnell. She was a swimming instructor at the YMCA, and is survived by her Mother, Gloria; three children: David [Kelsey] Starr, Thomas Starr, Talbot [Eric] Bussey; six grandchildren: Paige, Jack, June, Holden, Drake, Evelyn; one brother: John [Diane] Donnell; one sister: Susan [John] Flanigan; seven nieces and nephews: Eric, Aaron, John, Elizabeth, Sarah, Michael, Mary; six great nieces and nephews; and cousins Catherine Lemcovitz and Zoë Lemcovitz. Memorial contributions may be made to the St Louis Zoo. At 2 years old Heather began swimming and never stopped until her final illness precluded it. At 12 she spent a year traveling throughout Africa with her parents in a VW Camper Bus which influenced her love of African animals, outdoor living, and long road trips. After graduating from Mary Institute, where she swam competitively, she studied aviation at Parks College with an eye toward becoming a pilot, however starting a family shifted her focus. A devoted mother, she raised three children whom she deeply loved, and a menagerie of dogs, birds, rabbits, iguanas, turtles, hedge hogs, and fish. Heather adored her grandchildren and one of her favorite annual events was to take them all to the Circus Flora. She loved having them at her house to swim and jump on the trampoline, just as their parents had done when they were growing up. She enjoyed the outdoors particularly biking, floating, camping, and cross country skiing. She travelled extensively with her family all over the United States, and visited Argentina and countries in Europe. In recent years Heather derived great satisfaction teaching swimming and water aerobics. When her parents could no longer live independently Heather took them into her home and together with her sister worked to ensure their happiness and well-being. Heather had many creative gifts that included making elaborate Halloween costumes, gingerbread houses, cakes, cookies and tarts. She loved cooking, cooking shows, particularly The Pioneer Woman, movies, music and dancing. Halloween was her favorite holiday and green was her favorite color. Adversity touched her life a few times and Heather came through it stronger every time. A fighter to the end, throughout her illness she amazed us all with her tenacity and her determination to get better. With the loving support of her family she worked incredibly hard to rebuild her strength time and time again. Heather was an extraordinarily thoughtful and supportive friend to many, who cherished her for her sense of humor, and willingness to try just about anything and go just about anywhere. Spending time with family and friends was one of her greatest pleasures. Heather wanted nothing more than to be helpful and supportive and to see her children thrive. She will be greatly missed, and always treasured by those of us whose lives she touched.

Heather D. Starr

March 2, 1960 - November 25, 2015