About Deanna…
Born in Walthamstow, London, England in September of 1974, Deanna had a difficult and turbulent childhood, but with the love and care of those closest to her, she emerged with her beautiful innocence, boundless kindness and warm heart intact, forging relationships which would endure throughout her life, and would see her through the dark times, which were sadly visited upon her throughout her life. There was much sorrow and loss in Deanna’s life, and yet she remained unwaveringly beautiful, positive and caring, always seeking to make others happy, and to keep their spirits up, despite the sadness she herself bore. In Deanna, adversity had created a strong and yet fragile, empathetic and selfless young woman, who would work tirelessly to brighten the lives of others.
Deanna was much loved by everyone she encountered in her life, her empathy, care and loving nature shone through in all that she did, and in every interaction, however brief. Working as a successful Finance Manager, she devoted much of her spare time to creating gorgeous cards, pictures, gifts, art and bags for friends, family and acquaintances. Creative, sentimental and talented, Deanna delighted in the smiles of those she shared these treasured gifts with, and was never happier than when she could bring joy to others. Her childlike enthusiasm and zeal to do nice things for loved ones were one of her most touching and bewitching traits.
When Deanna was diagnosed in August of 2019 with a heart murmur, it was the beginning of a cascade of events, which would see her taken from us all too soon. Late 2020 saw a diagnosis of Rheumatic Valve Disease, the result of an auto-immune condition stemming from a childhood throat infection. February of 2021, saw Deanna undergo her first of two open-heart surgeries to replace damaged heart valves. The long surgery extended her life, but spelled the beginning of a decline in kidney health.
By the middle of 2021, following a partial recovery, but a continued decline in her health overall, Deanna was in need of a further valve replacement, but yet was not well enough for such a traumatic surgery. In June 2021 she underwent an experimental procedure at Harefield hospital, to apply MitraClips to the damaged tricuspid heart valve - a procedure which had never been attempted anywhere in the world. The procedure saved her life, and saw her recover enough to undergo her second open-heart surgery in June 2022 to replace the tricuspid valve.
Despite the valiant and dedicated efforts of the Team at Lister Hospital and Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Deanna never fully recovered, and her health continued to decline in the months and years after the surgeries. She spent a good deal of her time in hospital, where she made her very best endeavours to remain strong and upbeat, entertaining the Staff and Doctors and by just being Deanna.
On 24th August 2024, Deanna slipped peacefully away from us, having spent her last hours comfortable and surrounded by loved ones.
For myself, I was lucky enough to first meet Deanna in 2000, although we didn’t get together until early 2011. Deanna gave me the most wonderful gifts, things that I never thought I could have, a feeling of completeness, of devotion, and of being utterly loved, and in love, without limit. Sentimental and romantic, Deanna was the sweetest and most beautiful person I could wish to share my life with. I feel honoured to have been a part of her life, and will cherish every moment we shared.
The time we spent together was sweet and precious, and I treasure every kiss, every laugh, every smile and every memory, and yet it is shaded by regret. Regret that she was taken from us so soon, regret for things left undone, adventures unlived, for kisses missed, and hugs that will never be.
Greatest of all regrets is the wish that we had married, Deanna would have been overjoyed. Although we became engaged on Valentines day in 2020, events never afforded us the chance. I wish I’d had the opportunity to tell her that I’d already bought our wedding rings, she would have been so thrilled, but by that time, it was too late.
Deanna brought a light to our lives which can never be diminished and a song to our hearts which shall never fall silent.
Thank you…
For the last five years there have been a number of people whose kindness, dedication and talent helped to give us more time to share together. Words could never express our gratitude.
For the gift of time, we will be eternally grateful to:
Dr. Chris Lawrence – For helping to keep Deanna’s kidneys well enough to undergo life-extending surgeries and procedures.
Dr. Sivakumar Sridharan – For his care and commitment to Deanna’s kidney health.
The entire Team and Royal Brompton and Harefield Private Patients for their tireless efforts and positivity.
The British Heart Foundation for their exhaustive efforts and achievements in combatting cardio-vascular diseases.
A very special thank you to:
Dr. Ulrich Rosendahl – For his highly accomplished surgical talent, for his dedication to Deanna’s health and welfare, and for his courage in undertaking both of her surgeries.
Both Michele and Dee at Harefield Hospital – For looking after Deanna and her well-being, offering friendship, kindness and support when she needed it most.
Debbie, Mari and Josie at QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City for their unfaltering care and friendship.
And most of all, a deeply sincere and heartfelt thank you to:
Dr. Robert Smith at Harefield Hospital – For the gifts of hope and humour, and for his devotion to the well-being of Deanna’s heart, and her mind. In the very darkest of times, you stood like a lighthouse on the shore. Thank you.
