Donna Kay Berger

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March 9, 1943 – Jan. 26, 2021

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Donna Kay Russell was born in Houston on March 9, 1943. She was raised in Pasadena by her parents, Ray and Elma Russell.

In 1967, she married Lawrence Berger of Schulenburg. They were married at St. Ann’s Catholic Church Houston. Their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated at St. Ann’s with many friends and family in attendance just three short years ago.

In 1969, she and her husband moved to Duncanville, where she lived the remainder of her life while raising her family. Donna and Larry were original founding members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Duncanville, where they continue to be members.

Donna is survived by her husband, Lawrence “Larry,” of 53 years; children, Jon and wife Carol, Chad and wife Christine, Kyle and wife Meagan; and grandchildren, Brittan, Braeden, Kaylee, Ava, Tyson, Miles and Teagan. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Cheyenne; sisters, Rae Ellen and Cynthia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Elma Russell; her sister, Judy; and brother, Earnest.

Donna’s career and her undying love for children mostly involved her working on the Duncanville school district. Donna eventually retired from Hillwood Middle School in Keller, where she had many friends who became lifelong friends. After her retirement, her continued love for kids included spending as much time as possible with her seven grandkids and her new great-granddaughter. Donna loved teaching her granddaughters how to cook and sew. They started at an early age as she taught their first babysitter and her adopted daughter, Jeanie, the same things she eventually got the honor to teacher her own grandchildren. Much to the dismay of their parents, she loved giving her grandchildren their first drink of Coke and especially her sweet tea. They all received their first taste of chocolate through her stash of Hershey’s kisses.

Donna loved all the sports in which her sons participated and especially loved her Duncanville girls’ basketball games. She and Larry attended as many games as possible, and especially enjoyed the trips to Austin and San Antonio for the state tournaments.

In April 2018, Donna was diagnosed with Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy (PSP) at UT Southwestern in Dallas. She died peacefully at her new residence, Tender Elderly Care in Arlington, with her loved ones at her side.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Cure PSP.org as this is the family’s wish.