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M.J. Smith Sons
OBITUARY

Brittany Devin Heaney

November 21, 1990 – February 11, 2021

Brittany Devin Heaney passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age of 30.

Brittany was born on November 21, 1990 to parents, Thomas and Lisa Heaney in Brooklyn, New York. She is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law and worked in the King’s County Brooklyn District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor in the Special Victims Bureau. Brittany distinguish herself as hard-working, sensitive, and compassionate in her work.

Brittany is known for her incredible intelligence, sense of humor, and consistent kindness toward others. She was sharp in both wit and style and was a loyal and loving daughter, fiancé, sister, and aunt. Her love and care for her family was unmatched and she will live on through the immeasurable ripple she has made in the world.

Brittany is survived by her parents Thomas and Lisa Heaney, her fiancé and love of her life Vito Rinaldi III, sisters Shannon LaDuca and Meagan Heaney, and nephew Jack, whom she loved as her own. Brittany will also be missed by aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers and as a lasting honor to her legacy, please make a contribution to the Brittany Devin Heaney Foundation.

In partnership with Morgan Stanley, it is our distinct honor to announce the creation of this foundation, in memory of our beloved Brittany. The primary mission of the foundation, in connection with Brittany’s alma mater, St. John’s University School of Law, is to provide a summer fellowship to a law student engaged in a sex crime internship. The foundation will host a yearly memorial dinner, where we can all gather to celebrate Brittany’s life.

To make a contribution, Zelle is linked directly to the foundation. You can Zelle: Alanat630@gmail.com. When making a contribution to the foundation, you will need to enter Alana’s full name: Alana Tierney.

The memorial mass honoring Brittany Devin Heaney will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located at 2805 Fort Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11218 on March 6, 2021 at 12:00PM.

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6 March

Memorial Mass

12:00 pm

Immaculate Heart of Mary

2805 Fort Hamilton Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11218

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Brittany Devin Heaney

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Jonathan Andrew Perez

February 23, 2021

The world lost one of the best lawyers I’ve ever known, and worked with on trial. She took her commitment to justice and fighting for good to heart. She was also one of the most hysterically funny people I’ve ever met. I can imagine her right now looking over my shoulder, saying don’t mess this up!

Nothing could shake her internal fire, and her uncanny ability to keep things light when no one else could.

She made a tremendous difference in my development as a prosecutor, an attorney, and a person. I really have no words for her untimely passing. I’m grateful to have known her and blessed to have the opportunity. Brit, I hope I didn’t mess this one up!

Lisa Flaherty

February 22, 2021

Heaven gained an angel! My heart aches for your family and Vito too. Although not physically here, your smiling face left a memory of all things beautiful! Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Grace Piccard

February 22, 2021

I am very heart broken as I am writing this. It is the first time now that I see it to be real. I was lucky enough to have worked and train Brittany at Weis Markets in Pennsylvania.
Rat a tat tat was a word I used to say to her when closing the western union so she would remember how many times to press the keypad. Even after she left Weis to pursue her studies, I would tell them to tell her
Rat a tat tat for me. It was our word that I know would put a smile on he pretty face.
I was always super happy when she came to the store with Vito
to pick up a few things that she was bringing over to her parents house. Christmas or new year's was the last time I saw them together at the store checking out at the self check out. I was getting my hug in
with a mask on, but social distancing wasn't taking that hug away from me and Brittany.
And I'm glad I did it. And now she's gone. I will miss you deeply, Brittany xoxo
Love Grace

"RAT A TAT TAT"

Laura Johnson

February 17, 2021

To A.D.A. Heaney’s family - I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked to read about Brittany in the New York Law Journal and immediately remembered the trial mentioned in the article, which I presided over. Brittany did a terrific job of presenting the case and arguing the law but what really shone - and I’m sure the jurors felt it - was her empathy for the women who had been victimized. I watched her progression from new lawyer in criminal court to her first felony trial and I know that she will be sorely missed not only by friends and family but also by the vulnerable women she so passionately represented in court.

EDWARD KATELY

February 17, 2021

With heart felt sympathy.
Wishing you peace that comes with time and the comfort of memories.

Ed and Sue Kately

Judge Elizabeth Warin

February 17, 2021

Brittany appeared in my courtroom many times as a prosecutor and I was consistently impressed by her diligence, intelligence and perseverance. She will be greatly missed by all of us at the courthouse. Please know that we mourn her loss deeply, and we send our condolences to her family and friends.
Judge Elizabeth Warin

Lisa Labenski

February 16, 2021

I read about Brittany in the NY Daily news. I want to be a prosecutor, myself and hearing about her death just broke my heart. I hope that one day I can carry on her beautiful legacy by continuing to do the work that she believed in. My heartfelt prayers to her friends and family.

Alexandra Iorio

February 16, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Vito and the Heaney family. Remember that Brittany will always be with you all in spirit.

Jamila Lee

February 16, 2021

I worked with Brittany at KCDA. She was sweet, smart, and funny. I loved talking to her and working with her.

My deepest sympathies to the Heaney family on your loss. Heaven gained another angel.

Alexandra Iorio

February 16, 2021

Brittany spent the last few days of her life getting our bureau to collect money to send me goodies after having surgery. That is just one example of just how selfless Brit was. She was always one to brighten up the room, give you a good laugh and make you see the sensible side of things whenever you came to her with an issue/ debacle in your life. I will be forever grateful to have met Brittany and had her in my life since she started at KCDA way back as an intern. I will miss texting her almost daily “question consigliere...” because she always knew the answers to anything when it came to law at work. No longer having Brittany to talk to just devastates me. I look forward to seeing you on the other side, Brit. Big hugs up there in Heaven(which you always gave me although they made you cringe!) Love you girlie.

FROM THE FAMILY