Donna Lynn Deska

Donna Lynn Deska (nee, Heckert), a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, with her husband and daughter at her side, after a life well lived and a courageous seven-year journey with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Donna will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, heartwarming smile, and enduring generosity.

Donna is survived by her devoted husband Thomas James Deska, daughter Katherine D. Radigan (David), father Richard Heckert, brother Gregg Heckert, sister Valerie Greene, as well as nieces, nephews, in-laws, and decades-long friends. Donna is preceded in death by her mother, Mirriam Heckert.

Born April 2, 1956, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Donna moved with her family to the Detroit area during childhood and graduated from Bloomfield Hills Andover High School. She attended Western Michigan University before earning a degree in Human Resources and Social Work from Oakland University.

Donna and Tom married on July 21, 1979, after meeting six years earlier at a spot Donna and mutual friends enjoyed music and dancing. Through 47 years of marriage, Donna and Tom built a life grounded in love and dedication, sweetened with humor, and shared many adventures. Like Tom, Donna lived her vows. They took care of each other and together lovingly raised their daughter, Katie.

For several years, Donna was able to embrace the role of stay-at-home mom. She cherished the opportunity to be involved in her daughter's life and remained a supportive mother through it all. Donna shared her love of music with Katie, something they enjoyed together until her final days. Donna left a lasting impression on Katie to keep in mind what really matters in life. Donna captured many early family memories in two treasured scrapbooks, which she made alongside her very close friend, part of a circle of nearly lifelong friends who have become family to the Deska’s.

Donna enjoyed a meaningful 15+ year career helping troubled youth in various settings, including a role with the adolescent behavioral health unit at Wyandotte General Hospital. Never one to stop learning, Donna later attended Schoolcraft College where she earned a second degree, becoming a Registered Health Information Technician. With her textbooks and highlighters spread out at the kitchen table, Donna studied hard for her A’s, learning anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. She then worked as a medical coder at Huron Valley Hospital, where she built lasting friendships with coworkers, affectionately nicknamed the “Valley Girls.”

Donna most enjoyed time spent with loved ones, particularly her sister Val, and pursued many hobbies over the years. She proudly earned first place in her golf league, bowled several games over 200, learned to ride a motorcycle, and volunteered as a docent at the Detroit Zoo Penguinarium. She liked to ski, take walks, and travel to visit family members or experience new places. She is fondly remembered for her competitive spirit while playing Euchre, Monopoly, Risk, and Rummikub, especially during rainy days at the cottage, as well as her infamous drawing of the elephant doctor, who made an occasional appearance during games of Pictionary. During quieter times at home, she often curled up next to the fire with a blanket and a legal thriller or her book club’s latest read.

Donna’s close relationships, perseverance, and belief in herself helped carry her through the final chapter of her life. In 2019, she was diagnosed with PSP, a degenerative neurological condition that prompted her and Tom to move to Mason, Michigan to be near their daughter and their future son-in-law, Dave, whom she warmly welcomed into the family. Throughout her seven years with PSP, Donna lived with extraordinary courage, grace, and resilience. She remained dedicated to living life to the fullest despite the limitations imposed by her illness and was remarkably open about her journey.

Determined to make a difference in the face of a devastating disease, Donna participated in important medical research. She took part in a multi-year study at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C., involving visits and extensive testing, and she participated in a PSP speech-related study at Michigan State University. Donna's legacy will live on, as her parting gift was the donation of her brain to the Mayo Clinic for further research into PSP and related illnesses. A final act of generosity that will benefit others in the future.

Donna’s kindness, spirited personality, and unconditional love will be deeply missed, especially by those closest to her. Think of Donna when you enjoy some of her favorites: Chocolate chip pancakes, Motown music, fresh flowers, a warm fleece, Jim Gaffigan, Law & Order, Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, a glass of Chardonnay or Kahlúa and cream.

Tribute donations in lieu of flowers can be made to CurePSP. Using this link: www.curepsp.org\donate. Or by mail to: CurePSP, 325 Hudson St., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10013

A visitation for Donna will be held on Wednesday, October 28th at 10:00 am at Mason First United Methodist Church, located at 201 E. Ash St., Mason, MI 48854, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Bestsellers, located at 360 S. Jefferson St., Mason, MI 48854. Lunch will be provided by the family for guests.