Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp

Born May 21, 1963 Died November 13, 2019 Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp excelled in an array of professional fields —lawyer, corporate executive, and entrepreneur, among them — but she cherished nothing more than her roles as wife and mother. “There is no one like Tanya!” said her sister, dermatologist Dr. Karen Heidelberg Barnwell. “She was brilliant, witty, loving and compassionate. She would light up a room when she entered. She always made people feel good.” Heidelberg-Yopp, 56, of Detroit died Nov. 13 of brain cancer. Most recently, Heidelberg-Yopp was interim chief executive officer of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, after having served as its chief operating officer. She had also held executive positions with Motown Music founder Barry Gordy, MTV Network and Nickelodeon Movies. She served as a senior vice-president for Compuware Corporation. With her husband, Roger, she was also part-owner of the downtown Detroit restaurant Savannah Blue, named in honor of their daughter, Savannah. Heidelberg-Yopp earned a degree in telecommunications management from Syracuse University, a law degree from New York University School of Law and a degree in management development from Harvard Business School. Her numerous accolades included Black Enterprise’s Top 50 Power Brokers in the Entertainment Industry; Ebony Magazine’s Women at the Top of the Entertainment Business; National Association of Minorities in Cable, Hall of Fame; the Syracuse University Chancellor Citation for Outstanding Young Alumni and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Award of Excellence. Heidelberg-Yopp was an active member of LifeChurch in Southfield. “Her faith allowed her to bravely face her health challenges without fear, but with grace and courage,” Heidelberg Barnwell said. “She knew that faith is stronger than fear and demonstrated this to her family.” Survivors include husband, Roger, daughter, Savannah, her mother, Vera Heidelberg, her sister, and numerous other family members and friends.