COLUMBUS,Ohio — Danni Jo Long Hedrick of Columbus, formerly of Charleston, W.Va., died Feb. 20, 2014 at the Kobacker House in Columbus after anincredibly courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Danni issurvived by her son, Gage; her “son of a different mother,” GregMiller; sisters, Donna Peele of Hatteras, Diana Long and Denise Burgess(Mike); father, Richard Long; forever friend, Mike Hedrick; stepson,Brandon Hedrick (Candace); nephews, Brian Ellison (Kristin), NathanMoynahan, Aaron Burgess (Courtney), Drew Burgess, and Phil Browning;and niece, Sarah Hacker. She was preceded in death by her mother RitaLong.
She leaves behind an incredible support system offriends, too numerous to count. Danni’s professional passion was in herwork as an adoption social worker for 27 years. In that time she helpedcreate more than 400 families through placement of infants and childrenwith adoptive parents. She had tremendous compassion for the many birthmoms with which she worked, ensuring that their selfless gift washonored through the dignity and compassion with which she deliveredtheir care. The House of New Hope recently paid tribute to Danni’sefforts by renaming its adoption program The Danni Hedrick AdoptionServices, a gift that touched her greatly. Danni chose to give oneadditional gift by donating her body to the Ohio State UniversitySchool of Medicine to support the medical education of their students.She said it was another way to say “Go Bucks!”
Danni’s love oflife was palpable to anyone who came into her presence. Her family andfriends were always her priority. All who knew her will attest to howher smile would light up every room. She loved her fantasy footballteams and March Madness.
The family would like to thank Dr.Mary Beth Butcher, Dr. Christopher George, Lisa Smith and KathyCampbell with Riverside Hospital’s Community Medicine Center, Kim withthe Infusion Center at Riverside Hospital, Dr. Keith Nichols, the staffof Riverside Hospital and Dr. Mark Taylor and all of the incomparablestaff of the Kobacker House. All of these individuals aided Danniduring her courageous battle against this disease the past three years.
A celebration of Danni’s life will be held at Saint Mark’sUnited Methodist Church in Charleston on March 1 at 2 p.m. with Rev.Monty Brown as celebrant. A reception will follow at Berry HillsCountry Club. A celebration will also be held on March 8 at 2 p.m. atBerwick Manor, 2350 Refugee Rd., Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers,Danni asked that contributions be made to the following organizations:Riverside Hospital’s Community Medicine Center, Hospice of OH, theKobacker House, the Danni Hedrick Adoption Services program at House ofNew Hope or St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home of Charleston, W.Va., has been entrusted with the arrangements.
