Support Stephanie Heinen's Family in Their Loss

The Team at Hapy Bistro is reaching out to our customers, followers, friends, family, and anyone who can help on behalf of the heartbroken mother of Stephanie Heinen, whose life was taken all too early.

She was found in her car in early September in New Orleans, LA. Her date and cause of death are still pending autopsy results.

The funds her mother needs will go directly to pay for the costs of expenses that come with honoring Stephanie's life in New Orleans and laying her to rest.

Stephanie, you touched the lives of so many with love, care, and your ability to accept people for who and how they were. We all loved you so much. We hope many people will open their hearts and be touched to assist your mom with the cost of funeral expenses.

Stephanie’s life will be celebrated on Dec. 14th in New Orleans, LA.

We thank you deeply for your generous financial relief-no matter of the amount- to this local Pismo Beach family, and our dear friends during this heartbreaking tragedy.

Please read Stephanie's story below:

Stephanie Jill Heinen was born on a rainy day on Dec. 24, 1977, Christmas Eve, which she always vehemently hated! Stephanie—a beautiful, sensitive soul—died suddenly in early Sept. 2024 in New Orleans, LA.

Born in San Luis Obispo to the delight of her parents, Elizabeth Lemos and David Heinen, who survive her, Stephanie is also survived by her brother Andrew and family in Templeton, CA, Jamie and niece Kylie and nephew Will; her brother Todd and family in McAllen, TX, Eliza Gonzalez and niece Lilli; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Her passing was sudden, and everyone is still reeling from the reality of it. She was empathetic, kind to animals and people, had a hearty laugh, an outrageous sense of humor, a wicked faculty for snark (affectionately called the Queen of Snark by her friends in New Orleans), and an amazing command of the English language. She was one of a kind in her zany sense of style, as she embraced red, black, and most recently, blue hair. She was a free thinker who absolutely refused to be part of a system she could not abide by, no matter the ramifications.

She attended Oceano Elementary, Paulding Jr High and Arroyo Grande High School, where she was on the debate team. Stephanie was an excellent student who loved learning. Her 6th and 4th grade teachers, Mr. Jim DeCecco and Mr. Robert Montano, played integral parts in her life and educational experience. Her love of the French language took her to France in high school, which was thrilling for a girl from a small town. Stephanie had a great gift of gab and made exceptional friends in elementary and high school who continued to get together. She attended Tulane University in New Orleans, receiving a BA in English, and the University of New Orleans, where she received an MA, also in English. She loved New Orleans, a city she called home until her death and a place where she made many lasting friends.

In 2015 she married Chris Orban, and they have five cats together: George, Jerry, Maestro, Festivus and Elaine. Stephanie was a self-proclaimed Crazy Cat Lady, and her cats share in the tremendous sense of loss felt by family and friends.

Stephanie, you touched the lives of so many with love, care and your ability to accept people for who and how they were. We all loved you so much, a fact you never fully believed. The outpouring of love coming in since you left is a testament to this certainty! Holy peace and love be with you, Batman!

We will be celebrating Stephanie’s life on Dec. 14th in New Orleans, Louisiana.