DONNA LAEL PARK passed away on September 8, 2010. Donna was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 5, 1931. She grew up in Houston and Victoria and graduated from Patti Welder High School. Donna completed her education with a nursing degree, working as a nurse in Houston, Galveston, and Victoria. She eventually made Houston her home where she raised her family. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Velma Sheppard, her son, Gene Park, her sister, Joan Miller and beloved cat Blackie. Left behind to cherish her memory: her brother John Sheppard and wife Karen; son King Park and wife Jennifer; daughter Amanda "Mandy" Seiler and husband Tom; daughter Melinda "Cissy" McGregor and husband Russell; and grandchildren Lauren Spry, Madolyn, Ellery and Rob McGregor, Aubrie Park; many nieces and nephews; and a multitude of very precious and dear friends. Donna was an active member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, and a dedicated member of the choir. Donna was an avid Astros fan, and loved reading, gardening, needlepointing, baking, and was an eclectic collector. Donna worked for the Spring Branch ISD Tax Office and for Lyman Personnel for many years.For the past 20 years, she worked for the Law Firm of Leeka and Rice. Donna was very passionate about her many years as a volunteer at Memorial City Hospital and Memorial Assistance Ministries. All who knew Donna will miss her enthusiasm for life, dedication to family, kind and forgiving ways, memorable smile, welcoming heart, witty sense of humor, and her elegant essence. Because of Donna's love of the choir, the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her honor to the MDPC 2011 Choir Tour, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024, to help fund their trip to sing at Carnegie Hall and mission work. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010 at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church at 10:00 am with a reception following in the parlor. Donna will be laid to rest next to her son Gene at the Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Published in Houston Chronicle on September 14, 2010