It was a story that warmed many hearts around the country.

Dona Timoney, 51, of Beachwood, had rescued her pit bull mix "Lilly" from a North Carolina "drug house" last year. Owner and dog became extremely close.

Lilly returned the favor two weeks ago, after Dona collapsed on a sugar sand path near the cranberry bogs in Double Trouble State Park in Berkeley.

The little dog ran up the path, her leash dragging behind her. Bayville resident Frank Delarosa found Lilly, picked her up and started towards the park office.

But Lilly squirmed and Delarosa put her down. She sped back down the path she had just come from and led him to Dona, who was unconscious.

Dona was first taken to Community Medical Center, then airlifted to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Many hoped and prayed for her recovery.

Sadly, Dona died Wednesday night, according to her friend Debbie McConnell, who posted the announcement on Berkeley Patch.

"It is with great sadness that I inform you Lilly's owner Dona has passed away last night," McConnell wrote in the comments section. "She will be greatly missed. Lilly will be staying in her own home with Dona's daughter."

The first story got more views than any other story in Patch history. We are so sorry we have to write this one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dona's family.