Donna M.A (Kurtyka) Heywood

Linwood- Donna M.A. (Kurtyka) Heywood, 78, of Providence Rd., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 12, 2025, with her loving family by her side. 

     She is survived by her daughter Alice A. Zyra and her companion Robert Hoaglund; her companion of 15 years, Scott Odette with whom she lived; her grandson Maxwell Marc Zyra; her best friend Virginia Barrese of Bellingham, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her stillborn son Scott Henry and was sister of the late John Kurtyka III.

       Born in Whitinsville on November 11, 1947, Donna was the daughter of John L. Jr. and Doris G. (Peloquin) Kurtyka and lived in Linwood all of her life. She was a graduate of the former Good Shepherd School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Milford. She furthered her education, taking several college courses

     Mrs. Heywood began her career as a hairdresser, after working for Fenwall in Ashland. She then was employed as a Nutrition Site Manager for the Meals on Wheels Program at Tri-Valley Elder Services. She later became the Activity Director for Blackstone Nursing Home, then for Millbury Adult Daycare, Convalescent Nursing Home, and the Lydia Taft House. She retired in 2010.

       A charter member and past president of the VFW Post Ladies Auxiliary, she belonged to the New England Country Music Club and was a past president of the Friends of Northbridge Elders. She was a parishioner of the former Good Shepherd Church, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister.     

       Donna was a loving, selfless person who cared for her aging parents for many years. She enjoyed arts and crafts, flea markets, trips to the casino, dancing, planting flowers, and cooking. She loved hummingbirds and butterflies. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was a gem of the community who will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

       Her family would like to extend a special thank you to VNA Care Hospice, and especially Kelly, for their compassionate care shown to Donna and her family.

     Her funeral will be held on Friday, December 19th from Tancrell Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Rd. Uxbridge with a Mass at 11AM in St. Mary Church, 77 Mendon St., Uxbridge. Burial with follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Whitinsville. Calling hours at the funeral home in Uxbridge are on Thursday, December 18th from 4 to 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Care, Fund Development Office, 100 Trade Center, Suite G-500, Woburn, MA 01801-1872. To leave a condolence message for her family, please visit: Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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