With heavy hearts, the family of Dona J. (Aldridge) Heester, age 93, announces her passing after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Dona passed away peacefully at her home surround

With heavy hearts, the family of Dona J. (Aldridge) Heester, age 93, announces her passing after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Dona passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by the love and care of her children. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, the late George E. “Eddie” Heester.Born in Erie, Pennsylvania on September 24, 1932, Dona was the daughter of the late Helen A. (Kuntz) Rudden and Richard R. Aldridge. Early in life Dona moved to New York and lived in Queens and the Bronx where she spent her childhood. Her younger years were spent tap dancing (since age 2), modeling and performing on stage. Tap Dancing was her passion which continued until her mid-80s.Dona met the love of her life Eddie in 1958 and married shortly thereafter. They settled in Kings Park for over 30 years where together they raised 11 children. Dona and Eddie were devoted parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park where Dona was president of the Rosary Society for over 25 years, a member of Altar Society and was known for organizing church receptions with her beloved Eddie. After their children were grown, they moved and settled in Coram where they belonged to Infant Jesus, RCC in Port Jefferson. Dona was a faithful and devoted servant to our Lord, and known to say a daily Rosary, praying for her children and anyone in need. She was known to check-in on those she prayed for and cherished every prayer offered. As a wife and homemaker, Dona took great pride in her home and could fix anything. Strong, independent, innovative and always organized, Dona was known for keeping her children in check, always with love, prayers and the best intentions. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She never wavered and always put her trust in God.Dona leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply, including her children, Richard (Angela), Deborah (Daniel), Laura, Susan (Kenneth), John, James (Maura), Nancy (Joseph), Karen (William), Thomas (Nicole), Katherine and Donna (Darren), 11 grandchildren and her great-grandson, Johnny, who lovingly called her Grammy Nan.Funeral Services for Dona will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from Grant-Marinello Funeral Home to Infant Jesus in Port Jefferson, to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am. A private burial will follow. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made online to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA.