Donalee Louise Leopold Heward

Donnalee Lousie Leopold Heward died peacefully in her sleep around 4:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at her winter residence in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona following a recent decline in her health. She was 86 years old. Donalee was born on Thursday, November 19, 1925, the fourth child of Edward Charles and Pauline (Saunders) Leopold in Monrovia, Los Angeles County, California. She had 2 sisters: Venola Swatsworth, Dorothy Malone; 2 brothers: Kenneth Leopold and Ronald Leopold, all of whom have preceded her in death. As a young girl at the age of 6, nearly 80 years ago, Donalee moved to Holbrook, Navajo County, Arizona. Donalee attended school in Holbrook, graduating from Holbrook High School, Class of 1942 at the age of 16. She was very active in school activities including: The Drum and Bugle Corps, cheerleading for 3 years, and served several years as a class officer and was even the Senior Class President. During her sophomore year, she started dating her high school sweetheart, Robert Heward, who graduated one year ahead of her. Following her graduation, Donalee briefly moved to California where Robert was working in the shipyards as she worked for the telephone company. After Robert joined the U.S. Army, she remained in California until Robert had his first furlough. He convinced her to meet him back in Holbrook. They talked about getting married for nine days and, finally, decided to wed on the tenth night and made a mad dash to St. Johns, Arizona, in the middle of the night to become husband and wife. In 1950, they built their home on Buffalo Street in downtown Holbrook, where they have since continued to reside, though recently began spending their winters in Mesa. Donalee was very active in local clubs and charitable organizations including: The Order of The Eastern Star and the American Heart Association. Donalee L. Heward is survived by 4 of her 5 children: Gloria, David, Edward, Brad; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Along with her parents and siblings, Donalee was preceded in death by her husband, Robert and a son, Christopher. A public visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, January 27, 2012 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - Holbrook Chapel, 409 N. 1st Avenue in Holbrook, Arizona. Donalee's funeral service will begin 12 Noon on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, 118 W. Arizona Street in Holbrook, Arizona. The committal service and interment will immediately follow at the Holbrook Cemetery in the Heward Family plot where she will be laid to rest along side her forever sweetheart, Robert and her loving son, Christopher. Donalee's family is thankful for all the expressions of sympathy they have received through thought and deed and, during this difficult time, are especially grateful for all the prayers offered up on their behalf.