Donna Markey Berez

Typically an obituary notice is punctuated with statements such as Born on.Died on.and then relates a litany of career accomplishments followed by charitable boards an individual served on and involvement in community activities. That is one way to measure the worth of ones brief stay in our world and I am not belittling the value of that individual or their accomplishments. I, however, choose to reflect on my wife's life by saying simply that the night sky's are dimmer to those of us who are left behind. Today it is a popular pastime to have a "bucket list" of adventures that one wants to engage in before one departs the earthly confines of our physical being.

My "bucket list" contained just one item.MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON TO SHARE ONES LIFE WITH. If I were successful in choosing the right person to fulfill my "bucket list" then my adventures in what we call "life" would surely be exciting and productive experiences that would require no additional items that needed to be accomplished.. Guess what? I was 100% correct in that assessment.

My adventure with Donna Markey began 52 years ago with my decision to fly to Los Angeles for a "blind date". I was bitten with Donna's beauty, intelligence and unparalleled wit and sense of humor and after a short 3 day acquaintance, I flew back home to Portland, Oregon with the realization that my "bucket list" was about to be fulfilled..

3 months later after many late night telephone conversations and special delivery letters I flew to San Antonio, engagement ring in hand unbeknownst to Donna to celebrate Thanksgiving at the invitation of Donna's parents.another of life's irony .our life together began on Thanksgiving and 52 years later the earthly chapter comes to a conclusion on Thanksgiving.

So now, let's measure the impact of Donna's life .

1. She gave birth to two exemplary children.Andrew and Kathy who have had productive lives that have impacted the communities they live in.Frisco, Texas and Napa, California.

2. Our children have fostered six grandchildren ranging in age from 26 to 6 months.

3. Donna's sense of humor brightened the lives and brought laughter and joy to more people than I have fingers and toes to count.

4. Donna was everyone's favorite aunt. She was always available to listen without judgment and to offer advice and choices to all in her family.

5. Finally, Donna was and will always be my soul mate and confidant. She was

an extraordinary and loving companion for more than half a century. She had an amazing ability to forgive my faults and encourage me through challenges. She made me a better man.

6. Oh, by the way, she did not forget to find time for charitable and community service. She served on the Board of Directors of Temple Beth El and held the office of Secretary as well as President of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth El. She was an active member of the National Council of Jewish Women and was chairman of Decorators Showcase which in prior years was the principle fund raiser for the local chapters charitable endeavors.

In summary, this is but a small tribute to my beloved wife. An extraordinary and complete human being who not only talked the talk but walked the walk.

I want to thank Dr. Richard Thorner and Dr. John Mulrow for their sensitivity and uncompromising care provided to Donna. Also a special thank you to RN's Eloise Castille and Sally Lim for their encouragement and compassionate care.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Beth El Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the San Antonio Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.