Danielle Marie Francis Heitzenrater

Danielle Marie Francis Heitzenrater

Danielle Marie Francis Heitzenrater, 36, passed away on November 20, 2022 after a courageous year-long battle with cervical cancer in Erie, PA. She was born September 7, 1986 in Erie, PA.

Danielle was a graduate of McDowell High School, Class of 2005, and attended Penn State Behrend, earning a degree in Business Management. She was passionate about the hospitality industry which took her to her favorite city, Nashville, TN. She loved going to work as a general manager in some of Nashville's most prestigious hotels and restaurants where she was always excited to have a celebrity guest. She was most recently the GM of a Nashville staple, The Pancake Pantry. Her work ethic was unmatched, and she was a good leader who always wanted to raise up those around her.

Danielle was most proud of being a mentor for the J-1 Visa program which brought many exchange students over and helped them to work and explore all that Nashville had to offer. She referred to her students as her "J1 babies" and was so proud of them.

She was a foodie who appreciated excellent service and new restaurants in all cities. She and her boyfriend, Roland, were always trying new dishes to give them a "Danielle approved Rating." She also loved to travel with her sister, most recently taking trips to Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Belgium.

An avid concertgoer and hockey fan, Danielle was always interested in live entertainment, especially Celine Dion and Britney Spears, who she has seen numerous times. She also attended many games for the Penguins and Predators over the years.

She is survived by her father, Scott Heitzenrater (Cynthia Johnson); her sister, Haley Heitzenrater (husband, Clint Chase); her boyfriend, Roland Lopez; two grandmothers, Nadine Heitzenrater and Mary Ida Martone; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who have been a tremendous support for her during this last year.

Her family would like to thank those who helped raise money, sent flowers, brought dinners, and offered support during the past year. She was thankful to see so many friends and felt loved.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, on Saturday, November 26, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until the service there at 5:30 p.m.

In her memory, donations can be made to The Giving Kitchen, who generously donated to Danielle after her diagnosis. This program offers emergency assistance for service workers during a crisis. (https://www.classy.org/give/321184/#!/donation/checkout)