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Brigitte Daws Obituary

Brigitte Donner Daws

Brigitte Donner Daws, 40, and her unborn son, passed away suddenly from a rare pregnancy complication on June 3, 2020.

Brigitte was born Feb. 19, 1980 in suburban Washington D.C., the first child of Heidi Ehrman Donner, and Alvan Joseph Donner. In 1983, the family relocated to Orinda California where she was raised and graduated from Miramonte High School.

She went on to study English at the University of California at Berkeley, where she was a varsity athlete on the Cal Water Polo team as well as president of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Perhaps most importantly, Cal was also where Brigitte met the love of her life, Philip Daws.

After Cal, and a stint in Washington, D.C. working as a legislative aide, Brigitte got her MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, where, unsurprisingly, she served as class president.

Brigitte came home to San Francisco and built an impressive career ultimately becoming a Vice President at Salesforce and chairing Dreamforce, the world's largest tech conference.

In 2015, Brigitte literally bumped into Philip on Chestnut St. near both their apartments. It was love again at second sight! They were married in 2018 and soon moved to Tiburon. She passed away 6 days prior to their 2nd anniversary. Their first child, a son, was due June 17.

Brigitte was a magnetic and strong woman. She operated in a gear rarely seen and why she achieved great success in everything she did and did so with a giant smile all the time. Her infectious enthusiasm together with her universal kindness created friendships that were all deep, strong and fiercely loyal. Every day with Brigitte was a party and a great adventure.

While she took great pride in her work, she was most passionate about her family and her friends. She had a way to make everyone a better version of themselves. Every moment with Brigitte was the best part of anyone's day..

Brigitte will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband Philip, his siblings Bradley, Patrick, and Megan, his parents Virginia Daws and John Daws, her parents Heidi and Alvan Donner, her brother Alan and his fiancée Molly.

In deference to social distancing guidelines, there will be a virtual memorial service Saturday, June 13 th at 9:30 AM PDT. Details and live stream are available at www.brigittedonnerdaws.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Brigitte's name. Details can be found at www.brigittedonnerdaws.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 11 to Jun. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Gregory Smith

June 6, 2024

Heidi and Al, she was a true force with boundless talent. With all of her accomplishments. She was humble and embraced my Daughter when they met, both being Pi Beta Phi´s. I do not think that time reduce the pain of her loss, but I still pray for you both, for Brigitte, her beautiful Son in heaven, and all of your Brother Knights also devastated by this. We discussed picturing the two of them holding hands and talking to Jesus.

Gregory Smith

June 6, 2023

Al, Heidi & Alan, our thoughts and prayers are lifted for Brigitte and her Baby on this solemn day. Until we see her again and meet your grandson one day, we will remember her fondly! Greg, Gina, Bailey and Sydney Smith

Maureen (Grabill) Cain

July 27, 2020

Dear Heidi and family, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter, Heidi, and such a lovely wife, daughter-in-law, relative and friend to so many. It is a tragedy multiplied by the loss of her unborn son. I’m sure the grief will be comforted by the many lives who were touched by Heidi and the love expressed. Please accept my and my family’s condolences on your sad loss. I’m sure her memory is a blessing to all.

Karl Anderson

June 15, 2020

So sorry for your loss. I pray that the Lord eases your suffering and comforts you.

Gregory Smith

June 13, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Grove of 35 Memorial Trees

Lisa Bowman

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Mary Daugherty

Planted Trees

lois

June 12, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the family. I just read this in today's chronicle and it broke my heart. So sincerely sorry for your loss.
Lois Anderson, San Rafael

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