Minerva Oralia Donaldson

“One must always appreciate the love God has given us and treat it delicately.” - Minnie Minerva “Minnie” Oralia Donaldson, passed peacefully on July 3rd, with her children at her side. Born May 4th, 1941 in Houston, Texas to Concepcion and Sophia Vasquez, she had the spirit and inquisitive nature to manifest her heart’s desire. In her early adulthood, she worked in a secretarial pool, raising three beautiful children with her first husband, Fidel Garza Jr.; she often said her happiest years were when her children were young. During her late thirties, a whirlwind of changes occurred. She started a new career as a successful Avon Manager and was remarried to James Donaldson, where they planted their roots in Austin for the next 10 years. In true Minnie fashion, she picked up several passion projects: sewing, gardening, and new culinary skills; all the while taking as many opportunities to be with and shower her grandchildren with the best love. In her early fifties, her second love, James, had passed and she graciously adapted to a new life, returning to her hometown. Always a woman of action, she returned to school for training in legal secretarial skills, among picking up a new hobby: flipping houses. A lucrative adventure, it combined all of her skills as an exceptional leader, skillful designer, and creative entrepreneur. It was only a handful of years later where she finally retired and moved to Arizona to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. Acclimating to a new and fun change, she became a woman consumed by wanderlust. With her independent spirit and adaptive nature, she had the wonderful opportunity to travel all over the world: Alaska, Russia, Ireland, France, England, Italy, Greece, China, Peru, Mexico, Canada, Austria, and her most inspiring and final trip, Jerusalem, Israel. Survived by her beloved children, Fidel, Camille, Patricia, Susana, and Jose, and grandchildren, Susanita, Fidelito, Michelle, Joaquin, Diego, and Arman, she leaves us rich in memories, faith, divine recipes, lavish email updates, and an inspiring love for travel. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A Celebration of Life for Minnie will be held on August 12, 2017 at 10:00am at St. Andrew’s the Apostle Church, Hannesy Hall, in Chandler, Arizona, followed by a reception in her beautiful home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cancer Research Institute, at cancerresearch.org.