Ann Donald

Ann Donald, who survived the Nazi regime in Berlin as a child, who escaped to England where she survived the London blitz, who settled in America with her husband Martin of 60 years, first in New York and then in Texas, died of natural causes on Thursday at her home in Plano. She was 97-years-young.

​Despite her tragic beginnings, she maintained an inner and outer glow, always a stunning, fashion-conscious woman who lit up every room with a love of life that couldn’t be denied. Her smile was infectious, her spirit a delight. While she looked her best for every occasion, she always put the needs of others first, particularly those of her family. She is survived by her two children: Florence Shapiro of Plano and her husband Howard; Mark Donald of Dallas and his wife Esther; and six grandchildren: Lisa Strauss of Houston and her husband Rabbi Brian Strauss, Todd Shapiro of Plano and his wife Jori; Staci Rubin of Plano and her husband Dr. Paul Rubin; Adam Donald of Brooklyn, Max Donald of Austin and Lily Donald of Dallas. She was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren—Joshua, Noa and Ari Strauss; Ella, Zachary, Olivia and Harper Shapiro; and Sam, Natalie, Sophie, Brody and Eli Rubin—who were only too happy to visit their Nana for Sunday brunch at her home at the Legacy Willow Bend or for a quick shopping trip to the mall. She will be missed by them all.

​The family wants to express its deep appreciation to Ann’s three loving caregivers, Flora Kamau, Gloria Kabike and Anne Thuo, who provided compassionate dedication for more than three years.

​Ann was a volunteer extraordinaire. Whether it was as president of Golden Acres Volunteer Association collecting clothes from the Trade Mart to raise money for the elderly, or volunteering for Jewish Family Services and the Lion of Judah, or receiving the Jack Altman Humanitarian Award for her commitment to others, she did it all with grace and charm and humor.

​She and her husband Martin were pioneers in the founding of the original Dallas Holocaust Museum, and she felt fortunate to follow the grand opening of its latest incarnation, the new Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

And when Martin passed away more than 12 years ago, she would again know happiness and companionship when she married Leon Zetley of blessed memory, also a survivor of the Holocaust.

​In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, MEF. Her long, wonderful life is a testament to the power of light and love.

Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, followed by interment in Hillcrest Memorial Park.