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Deena Jo Heide-Diesslin

Deena Jo Heide-Diesslin, wife of David Diesslin, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at the age of 58, bringing an end to her long, valiant battle with cancer. She was a courageous fighter, teaching and giving to the end. All who were blessed to know Deena personally will be sustained by the memory of her generosity and kindness. She was loved by many and her presence will be tangibly missed.

Deena was born March 9, 1952, in Laurelton, N.Y., to Dr. and Mrs. Morton Heide of Fort Worth. She received her BA in sociology from Oakland University in 1973. She went on to St. Louis University and in 1975, she received her master's degree in social work and achieved advanced education in psychology.

Deena married David Diesslin on Nov. 26, 1977, in St. Louis, Mo. Over the years, Deena poured her life into her marriage and friendships, which was so evident by all who came and held her and loved on her in her final days with us. It seemed that she never met a stranger and she loved few things more than spending quality time with those she cared about. Deena was a wine and food enthusiast, a member of the Grand Council on Confrerie Saint-Etienne, with a particular penchant for Sonoma County wineries, who enjoyed traveling, eating wonderful food and preparing unique dishes for her friends and family. Always believing that life provided daily opportunities both to learn and to teach, Deena was a nurturer who respected honesty and openness from those around her, and she held herself to the same standard.

Beyond just her warm spirit and sincerity, Deena will also be remembered for her service to the community. Her passion for investing in the lives of other women was seen vividly in her choices of service, especially in her role on the Arlington's Women's Shelter board of directors for the last 10 years. She was also a member of the Arlington Girls Club board of directors, the Junior League, and most recent volunteer work with the Support Connection for women recently diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer in addition to her commitment to various other community organizers.

Deena's life was a sweet fragrance of compassion and warmth. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit remains, a tribute to the legacy of her time with us and her incredible love for others.

Deena is survived by her husband, David Diesslin; parents, Dr. and Mrs. Morton Heide; and many friends.

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2011, at Brown, Owens & Brumley's Joe B. Brown Memorial Chapel. Deena will be laid to rest in Sonoma Mountain Cemetery, Sonoma.

For those who prefer to make a charitable donation in Deena's honor, in lieu of sending flowers, the following is a list of charities that Deena lovingly supported: CancerCare, Support Connection, CaringBridge, CARES, Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, BRIT (Botanical Research Institute of Texas), and The Heide-Diesslin Foundation.

Brown, Owens & Brumley Funeral Directors, 425 S. Henderson, 817-335-4557. View and sign guestbook at www.star-telegram.com/obituaries.