Sturbridge: Donna Heffernan-McLear, 67, of Clark Rd., passed away on Wednesday, Sept.15 ^th , in the Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, after a brief illness.

She leaves her husband of 33 years, Michael J. McLear; her step daughter, Jennifer Erickson and her husband Steven of Old Orchard Beach, ME; her two brothers, John Heffernan of Dedham and Philip Heffernan of Raynham; three grandchildren, Corrinne Erickson, Carissa Erickson and James Erickson; eight brother and sister-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, Paul Heffernan.  Donna was born in Boston the daughter of John J. and Lorraine (Gillespie) Heffernan.  Donna earned a bachelors degree from Suffolk University and two masters degrees, an MBA from George Washington University and a masters in Human Resources from Lesley University.

Donna was the human resource manager for Tyco Healthcare in Chicopee for 5 years before retiring.  She previously was the human resource manager for Millbrook Distributors in Leicester for 3 years.  Donna was a devout catholic and a member of St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish in Sturbridge.  She loved cooking, reading and the New England Patriots.  She also enjoyed swimming exercise classes at the Southbridge Conference Center.  Some of her greatest joys were spending time with her family, friends and her grandchildren whom she adored. Donna was a vibrant, compassionate, caring and loved person which served her well throughout her life.

A funeral Mass for Donna will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 29 ^th , at 10:00am in St. Anne Church, 16 Church, Sturbridge.  Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury, will be held at a later date.  Calling hours for Donna will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28 ^th , in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, 3540 Crain Highway, Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716 or online at www.epilepsy.com.