FYI - this bio page is a bit disorganized and I want to take full credit/blame for that. It is not worthy of either Donna or Marinell!
Donna had submitted several items to our blog before her passing, and then her dear friend Marinell joined in with other contributions. At the time of Donna's death Marinell and others paid tribute to her here and through other Milby sites. I just kept posting them on this page and now they are present here in somewhat the order in which they were added - newest items at the top. To sort it all out now would be a pretty big undertaking, so I hope you will be patient to read through it "as is". Who knows - I may get energetic and work it out someday - right after I clean out those spare closets. KD
6/27/09 Here's a photo of Marinell and husband Al Mendoza at the "Sonny Jones and The American Boogie" preformance at Heads 'N Tails Bar & Grill on .
June 28, 2009 - Marinell sent the flyer for the Texas Repertory Theater's new season. The first production is "Thoroughly Modern Millie". Learn more here:
This is a picture of most of the Milby attendees at The Texas Repertory Theatre on April 5. As I stated, we had a terrific response from the Buffs to sponsor, not only that performance, but the entire production of Steel Magnolias in memory of Donna Byrd Broussard! What a bunch of caring people we have. Donna's daughter and son-in-law were in attendance but somehow didn't get in the picture....nor did I, but that's OK.
Just thought others would like to see some OLD loving Buffs on stage!
[click on photo to enlarge; hopefully your cursor will now be a plus sign so you can enlarge the photo one size more]
First row L to R
Richard Hart, David Stanley, Tommy Butcher, Jim Maxcey, Blair Rever, Ron Nixon, Terry Brown, Gloria Blackmon Nixon, Linda Kipp, Johnny Simpson, Joe Broussard (Donna's ex...divorced over 30 years!), Bo Ogletree, Judy Stephenson Maus, Leslie Derrick.
Second row L to R
Geraldine Smith Sharp, Margie Heinlein Pizalate, Carol Lynn Russ Peter, Vicki Buckner Reber, Julie ?? Maxceny, Diana (Mrs. Johnny) Simpson, Pam Hollingsworth Diamont, Bo Ogletree's wife??, Frances Rader McCarthy and Regina (Gina) Jones Wolford.
Wish all of you could have been there. We went out to eat afterward and had a ball. Maybe next time........
Marinell Roberts Mendoza
Previous Messages
October 20, 2007, Donna Byrd Broussard wrote on Melanie’s bio page
“To Melanie Winkler Morrison,
Melanie, I just read your biography and was so sorry to hear about your bout with cancer. MDA is the best place in the world if you have to go. I have been there 13 years and will be going back on October 29 for carcinoma of the kidney. I am confident the doctor will take care of it and I will be up and about within a short period of time. The prayers of our classmates are so very, very special and keep me in state of peace that I cannot explain or understand, but certainly I thank the Good Lord for giving me the faith to face my life struggles. I will always remember you in my prayers now that I know. Please take care! Donna”
On March 20th 2009 Marinell Roberts Mendoza (Milby 1962) sent the following information via e-mail:
"Many of your class will remember Donna Byrd Broussard (she married Joe Broussard from our class). She passed away last September so we are going to honor her. I am one of the founders of The Texas Repertory Theatre in NW Houston and we are starting a show next week..."Steel Magnolias". Milby friends of Donna decided they would honor her by sponsoring the show and attending one of the productions. Donations to sponsor this show have poured in and this is going to be a wonderful production in her honor.
If any of your class want to participate, they can donate or just come to the Sunday 3:00 matinee on April 5. Those that donate will have their name listed in the playbill if they let me know by this Sunday. Also if they donate, they can get in for $10.00 (regular price would be $35.00).
The theatre is located at 14243 Stuebner Airline Road, Houston 77069. The phone number is 281-583-7573 and my cell phone is 713-824-5717 if they want to talk to me about this.
"I know Wally Sisk was at her funeral but I'm not sure if he knows about this. Also, after the show (about 5:00 PM) we are all going out to eat at Gringo's on Cypresswood. If any are interested, we need to know a head count...soon."
Click here to link to a current photo and a tribute to Donna in an online edition of the Milby Blue and Gold Newspaper. Scroll to page 4 in the newspaper.
On March 21st 2009 Marinell wrote:
Donna had 10 cancers in 25 years. When she was first diagnosed, she told me that she just wanted to live long enough to raise her daughter Ann who was 10 at the time. Three weeks before Donna died, Ann who is now 35, married Beau Adams in Donna's ICU room at M. D. Anderson. Her doctor attended as well as 20 medical staff. It was beautiful. After Ann married, Donna said "I'm finished." She was the most remarkable woman I have ever known. She said cancer will never rule my life....and it didn't.
We would love to have any and all come to Steel Magnolias. The theatre holds 270 so we have plenty of room. I'm sending some info on this. By the way, The Houston Chronicle named The Texas Repertory Theatre the "best upstart arts organization in Houston". We are in our 4th season! Come see.
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My favorite memory of Donna is her beautiful friendly smile that radiated the hallways and classrooms of Milby High School. I remember visiting her in the hospital one time many years ago and was surprised to see that smile glowing inspite of her illness. God has blessed us by sharing her with us this short time on earth. We will always miss her.
Posted by: Cheryl King Bandy | March 22, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Thanks Marinell, by sharing your thoughts and Donna's story, you have brought people together ! It is great to see the folks joining in respect of our early years to honor a loving alumnus and enjoy the company of past acquaintences. Please continue your contributions to this blog ! We are honored by your presence here !
Posted by: Mike Roberts | April 27, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Hey everybody,
Al and I recently attended the annual Valentine's party at the beautiful home of Pat (Welborn)'62 & George Barentine '60. What a blast! Jut a note about The Texas Repertory Theatre (my pet project)--June 4-27, we will be playing "Always...Patsy Cline". We ran it 3 years ago and it was a huge hit same cast). If you want to be on the mailing list, call me @ the theatre 281-583-7573. Much love to ALL Milby Buffs, ALL classes! Our devotion to each other is amazing to my "other" friends.
Posted by: Marinell Roberts Mendoza | March 13, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Marinell, I just can't express my heartfelt thanks to you in doing Steel Magnolias in honor of my beautiful loved friend Donna Broussard. Our special time together at The Boardwalk" and lunch at Landry's and our pic with the police card, we laughed and said Milby had the prettiest broads there that day and we did. Donna always made my husband feel very welcome at all the Milby reunions and we adopted him even though he was an Austin HS graduated as an offical Milbyite. I will always remember her and love her for her courage her faith and her devotion to everyone. I miss you Donna and I always will. Wyoma-February 2011.
Posted by: Wyoma English | February 07, 2011 at 08:00 PM