Heather Joanne Brightwell passed away on October 27th, 2025 surrounded by family at her home in Riverview, Florida. She was 40 years old. The eldest child of Dr. Kevin and Cynthia Donley, Heather was born on October 28th, 1984 in Salem, Ohio. During her childhood and teenage years in Ohio, New York, and Oregon, Heather enjoyed playing outside, trips to visit her grandparents, helping with her two younger siblings (Kristen and Ryan), and babysitting for her neighbors. She gave her heart to Christ at a young age.
From her earliest days, Heather knew what she was put on this earth to do - to become a nurse. She graduated from Century High School in 2003 and then pursued a nursing degree at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, graduating in 2007. Over the course of her exemplary career, Heather’s emphases included emergency care, labor and delivery, geriatrics, and hospice. Heather made a lasting impact through her tireless work in hospital bereavement programs, supporting families as they grieved the loss of pregnancies and infants.
In 2007, Heather married her beloved husband, Chris Brightwell. They welcomed their first daughter, Carlie Joanne, in 2010. Cydney Lynn arrived soon after, in 2013. Family was everything for Heather and she lived for her girls. She also loved cows, coffee, movie nights in her PJs, water wars in the kitchen, 7/11 trips for Slurpee’s, sunflowers, family time, and so much more. Her legendary sass and wit were only outweighed by her love for everyone around her. She will forever be remembered for her passion, servant’s heart, and determined conviction.
Heather is survived by her husband, Chris Brightwell; daughters, Carlie and Cydney Brightwell; mother, Cynthia Donley-Tietjen; Father and Mother-in-law Coy and Linda Brightwell; sister, Kristen Young (husband Kyle); brother, Pastor Ryan Donley; sister-In-law Amy Redding (husband John Michael); sister-in-Law Lindsay Young (husband Kyle) as well as 2 aunts, 5 cousins, 1 nieces, and 3 nephews . She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Dr. Kevin Donley; grandparents, William and Geraldine Chapple, Eleanor Montgomery, Robert and Beverly Donley; aunt, Deborah Donley; and uncles, Gary Chapple, Kenny Donley, and Darryl Donley.
A celebration of Heather’s life will be held at Highpoint Church of Brandon on November 1st, 2025 at 11:00am, a public viewing will be held at 10:00am. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Heather requested donations be made for her daughters’ colleges funds. Contributions may be submitted via GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/c82ba427d
Previous Events
Visitation
1
Nov
2207 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, FL 33596
Celebration of Life Service
1
Nov
2207 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, FL 33596
