In 1999, Heather Donahue was unexpectedly catapulted to stardom as a co-creator and costar of the indie horror film The Blair Witch Project - who memorably filmed herself crying in terror in. That may be a promising jumping-off point for a new Blair Witch movie, but it didn't originally inspire much excitement for the actual Heather Donahue. Heather was preceded in death by her beloved father, Edward L. Donohue. But that was the thrill! I can't imagine it getting better than this. If you bought into The Blair Witch Project's then-revolutionary marketingas a reported 50% of moviegoers didyou might even have believed you witnessed the actual death of Heather Donahue. Prayers for her family , coworkers and friends. [16] The same interview revealed that she was writing for, and intended to produce, a sitcom tentatively called The High Country, based on her experiences in marijuana farming. . Funeral Home website by. Her family and friends will continue to be in prayers for comfort. She was born the daughter of William and Jeanne (Burnside) Donahue on February 17, 1975 in Ravenna. I would playfully argue with another nurse that I was her favorite nurse. "It's still stunning to me," Heather told me. She and the two other main cast members, Michael C. Williams and Joshua Leonard, used their birth names as their character names for the film. 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. While she would point out that the struggle to overcome addiction never ends, she successfully embraced sobriety in 2000. Arrangements were entrusted to Bernard P.Borowski Memorial Home. You have Jennifer whats her name, the Hunger Games Jennifer? She is also survived by her fiance, Christine Denman; her son, Zachary Vesci; her brothers, Arben Colaku and Agim Colaku; and sister, Lili Colaku. In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Heather Donahue jokingly said, Im like the poorest new famous person in America!. She is known for her roles as Heather in the 1999 film The Blair Witch Project and Mary Crawford in the miniseries Taken. A dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, and life saver, she died after a long, victorious fight to stave off terminal cancer. Heather G. Donahue, 37, of Newton, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Thursday, February 25, 2016. It's a . Donahue's mother received a sympathy card from a distant relative who believed The Blair Witch Project was real. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie made more than $248 million worldwide. Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton. She also established awards across the nation, which recognized excellent performance in the classroom, church and community. Find me the woman who would have believably kept that camera running. In 1999, "The Blair Witch Project" accomplished something that would likely not work too well in the modern world thanks to the widespread use of social media. In 2016, Donahue wrote a piece for The Guardian explaining how she felt about having to fake her death to promote The Blair Witch Project. She auditioned at the Musical Theater Works in New York City and was cast in one of the three principal roles. Heather will forever remain in the hearts of her wife Rebekah, children, Christina and Jacob, and grandchild, Luna Marie; her mother, four older sisters, little brother, and extended family; her second family at Hospital Wing and other medical facilities she served; and countless friends. Its a strange thing to get no credit where credit is deeply due. Funeral homes; Help and advice. Its all anyone wanted to talk to me about, she admitted. She enjoyed spending time with company, tending her flowers, cooking, and caring for her pets. [17], Donahue speaking at the Tavern Book Center in. Ad Choices, The Blair Witch Project's Heather Donahue Is Alive and Well. Heather was a kind hearted person. Heather J. Donahue, 41, of Ravenna passed away on September 22, 2016 at her residence. ", And while Donahue has no interest in returning to acting"I don't want to be a visible, public person," she insistsshe continues to immerse herself in the film industry as the producer and writer of The High Country, an independently produced sitcom based on her post-Blair experiences as a marijuana farmer. During peak periods such as Valentines Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. This is a promise from Jehovah god..revelation 21:3-5, and John 5:28,29. "I mean, I gave that role 110%. Join the Roller Family. She is known for her roles as Heather in the 1999 film The Blair Witch Project and Mary Crawford in the miniseries Taken. 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. Planting will take place in Spring or Summer of the same year. Rhodora Jacob Donahue lived a full and admirable life, exemplifying the compassion and generosity of her faith as she brightened and strengthened the lives of family, friends and community. Edit Rei Hance [1] (born Heather Donahue; December 22, 1974) is an American writer, businesswoman, and retired actress. Last edited on 18 February 2023, at 08:46, Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress Newcomer, Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress, Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television, Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress Newcomer, Sticks and Stones: An Exploration of the Blair Witch Legend, The Massacre of The Burkittsville 7: The Blair Witch Legacy, "Editorial: The 12 Ballsiest Movie Publicity Stunts", "The Blair Witch Project: The best viral marketing campaign of all time", "1999 22nd Hastings Bad Cinema Society Stinkers Awards", "Blair Witch Actress Heather Donahue Quit Acting to Grow Pot", "Interview: Heather Donahue, Author of Growgirl", "Growgirl: Heather Donahue's Journey From 'Blair Witch' to Growing Marijuana", "The Blair Witch Project's Heather Donahue Is Alive and Well", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rei_Hance&oldid=1140076836, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 08:46. Born in Dover, Heather was a longtime resident of Sussex County. The reporting of my death in 1999 was a marketing gimmick to help sell the original movie. As a 24 year old actress, Donahue could not spin a career out of being dead. He worked as a Certified Pharmacy Tech in the Bryn Mawr Hospital NICU. Hugs from Minnesota. She would come to regret this later in life, changing her name to Hance years after she retired from acting. Thank-you very much for your service !!! Douglas L. Donahue December 18, 2020 Douglas L. Donahue, 74, of Baldwinsville. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. July 14, 1978 - February 25, 2016 Newton, New Jersey Set a Reminder for the Anniversary of Heather's Passing. My snot-flooded portrait was back. And at a time when death will be no more. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. She is also survived by her fiancée, Christine Denman; her son, Zachary Vesci; her brothers, Arben Colaku and Agim Colaku; and sister, Lili Colaku. Beloved father of Heather (Richard) Murray; grandfather of Grace and Ricky Murray; former spouse of Dee Schiefer; brother of Mary (Harry) [] HEATHER DONAHUE MEMORIAM In Loving Memory of Heather K. Donajue who passed away on August 26, 2020. While this tactic helped the movie become a huge commercial success, the actors werent happy with this. 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival at midnight on January 1999. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? View the profiles of professionals named "Heather Donahue" on LinkedIn. "I have a small cameo in The High Country," she allowed. Shes written for publications such as El Heraldo de Mxico, Career Karma, and The Daily DIY Life. When your purchase is complete, a post will be made on the tribute wall of the deceased signifying the planting of a memorial tree. A dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, and life saver, she died after a long, victorious fight to stave off terminal cancer. I've done so much else. An official certificate recognizing your purchase will be included with your email receipt. "I wanted to say, 'Well, are you sending me money?' I wouldnt have chosen to have the role, but I was the best, cheapest person for the job. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Just think about John Carpenters Halloween (1978), Wes Cravens A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), or, most recently, The Blair Witch Project (1999). '", As the enthusiasm over The Blair Witch Project's uniqueness curdled into irritation at its cultural ubiquity, people began turning on the movieand Donahue, whose face had become the lynchpin of the marketing campaign, endured much of the backlash. To follow RHODORA JACOB's story, enter your email. I instantly considered her a friend. And following its successful run, Artisan Entertainment bought the film's distribution rights. Its a very strange thing, to be inside so many brains. Nora was predeceased by her beloved husband, Daniel B. Flynn, Jr. and her son, Michael Flynn. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. "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," she said. This is a wonderful obituary that captures the essence of what an outstanding person Heather was. After her marriage to Jack in 1946 and her graduation from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) in 1947, Rhodora spent three years in Roswell, New Mexico, where Jack, as a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, served in the U.S. Air Force. [8][9] The promotion for the film was so convincing that Hance's mother received sympathy cards from people who believed that her daughter was actually dead or missing. 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. Make a life-giving gesture. She is survived by : her wife Rebekah; her children, Christina and Jacob; and her grandchild Luna Marie. After an order is placed, our forestry partners will plant the tree in the area of greatest need (nearest the funeral home), according to the planting schedule for the year. A unique and . Share Obituary. The Emergency Nurses Association, Memphis Chapter honored her as the 2016 Emergency Nurse of the Year. Create an obituary. Im so sorry for the loss of Heather. My Friend.Her Favorite Nurse Denise. Join Facebook to connect with Heather Donahue and others you may know. Nothing I do will ever surpass what I did at 24. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Rei Hance[1] (born Heather Donahue; December 22, 1974) is an American writer, businesswoman, and retired actress. The purportedly "recovered footage" is the film viewers get to see throughout the movie. "I've gotta tell you: I think it's better than the original," she said. 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." You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally. By the end of the conversation, he understood. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Sorry, I live in the woods. 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. "Only out of budgetary and time restriction reasons. "We weren't cast because we'd be lifelong friends. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. There's no-recapturing the spooky 1999 phenomenoneven with a bigger budget. Born in Great Falls, MT, Heather graduated high school before serving proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. Her last acting role was in the 2008 direct-to-DVD horror film The Morgue. All the Under-$20 Style, Tech, and Home Goods We're Feeling This March, 35 Alarmingly Good Watch Deals to Upgrade Your Wrist, Fellas, You're About to Blow Your Rent Money at the SSENSE Sale. And even in 1999, you werent allowed to do that. While she would point out that the struggle to overcome addiction never ends, she successfully embraced sobriety in 2000. There is no photo or video of Heather E. Donohue.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. "Being 42 is so awesome," she said.. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Francis Donahue; her brother, William Jacob Jr.; sisters-in-law, Helen Jacob and Mary Ann Jacob; brother-in-law, Charles Frey; grandchildren, Heather Donley and Melissa Donley; and great-grandchild, Conlan Rheingrover. "Doc" Dougherty, Jr., age 60, of Havertown, PA, passed away on February 22, 2023. And if that weren't enough, Donahue also revealed the strange truth behind how she was paid. It was so nice to have 16 years go by and not have my snot flood be the first thing that came to mind when people saw me or spoke to me. (46 years old). The three students suddenly disappear, with only their equipment being discovered a year later. "Youre supposed to be so grateful for that success," she said. Related: 18 Behind The Scenes Secrets About The Making Of The Blair Witch Project. So very sorry for your loss.when we loss a family member it,s never easy but, the bible does give us hope that we can see our loved ones again. In 2016, Donahue wrote a piece for The Guardian explaining how she felt about having to fake her death to promote The Blair Witch Project. ", Today, Donahue is heartened by the changes in the industry since The Blair Witch Project hit theaters in 1999. Born in Great Falls, MT, Heather graduated high school before serving proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. Attending EMS personnel are encouraged to wear their uniforms in honor of Heather's dedication to saving others. The fuck-you thrill of it. Born on January 13, 1938 in Pittsburgh, he is the son of the late Edward and Catherine Schiefer. ", But when the subject turned to the brilliantly calibrated performance that actually made The Blair Witch Project such a success, her tone brightened. It's an incredibly simple shot that burned itself onto the retinas of pretty much everyone who saw the movie. After she admitted she was alive in an interview with her hometown newspaper, Donahue revealed that she was reprimanded though she hadn't even received compensation at that point. Heather J. Donahue, 41, of Ravenna passed away on September 22, 2016 at her residence. Attending EMS personnel are encouraged to wear their uniforms in honor of Heather's dedication to saving others. Michael was the. She also invested time with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, where she served as a Hear My Voice Community Outreach Volunteer. Online condolences can be made at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com. The protagonist of this eerie horror movie had to do a lot of things, including faking her own death, just to help promote The Blair Witch Project. Its a complicated thing to be dead when youre still very much alive and eager to make a name for yourself, she wrote. To download this photo, the file name must have less than 255 characters. May the comfort of the Lord be with the Family during this time and my prayers are with you. He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 year . Related: Why The Creators Of The Blair Witch Project Wanted Nothing To Do With The Sequel. 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. Alive and eager to make a name for yourself, she admitted is a wonderful that. A Musical selection can affect mourning a complicated thing to get no credit where credit is deeply due, and., of Baldwinsville of being dead preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel B. Flynn Jr.... 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