Donna Kay Cordobes

Donna Kay Cordobés (maiden name McConnell) went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2023. Donna was at peace in her own home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her beloved brother Robert “Bob” McConnell and his wife Nerisa and family; her late brother Barry’s wife Shirley and family; son Edward and his wife Angela and grandchild; daughter Tania; and son Sean and his wife Lee and grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her brother Barry and her parents. Donna Kay was born on March 17, 1937 (St. Patrick’s Day) to Edward William and Lillian Louise McConnell in the city of Spokane, Washington. Donna was raised in the town of Wilbur, Washington. Donna enjoyed swimming, drawing and most of all, playing the piano. Donna excelled as a pianist, accompanist, and vocalist, from a young age. She even made her radio debut playing the piano at the age of 12. Donna graduated from Wilbur High School where she participated in cheerleading and the senior vocal sextet. Donna went to college at the University of Washington in Seattle. While a student she worked as a piano accompanist for a ballet studio. Donna majored in music with piano and choral conducting and earned her teaching certificate. Her first job after college was in the music department for a junior high in Port Angeles, Washington. She moved to Santa Barbara, California where she was the chair of the vocal department of a junior high school. Donna met her husband Roland while they were both working as teachers in the Santa Barbara Schools. They married in Wilbur, Washington and started their family together in California. Donna gave up public school teaching when she had her children and turned her energy towards being a mother. Donna volunteered as a minister of music at church where she led the youth and adult choirs and bands on Sundays and put on large productions of popular musicals of the time including “Come Together”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “It’s Getting Late” and “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” to name a few. The family moved to Texas and Donna opened her piano studio at home where she taught students of all ages and abilities. She also worked at a day care as a cook and helped Roland with his business. The family had cattle for a while on their land. Donna always had animals including dogs, cats and even ducks. Donna was active in several music teacher associations. She served as a National Guild judge and helped to organize and adjudicate local piano festivals and competitions. She directed piano ensemble teams for state contests. Through the years she was often called upon by local schools and students as a piano accompanist for UIL contests and church choirs. Donna and Roland divorced later in life. Donna lived with her daughter Tania in her later years. In her final years, Donna faced some health challenges with complete trust in the Lord Jesus, and the strength of a warrior. Donna loved and lived her life on earth filled with family both biological and spiritual, and her sweet pets. She loved her family and lived her life to serve and encourage the people around her and even though she was rather quiet, she filled the room with her steady presence and spirit. In her younger days she was fire and energy. In her golden years she was grace, humor, presence, and grit when necessary. Raised in a small town, she was not a woman who knew fear. Rather, she faced life with a brave and innocent heart. She cried when she witnessed hate and bigotry in the world, and she spoke up without hesitation. Her strength and determination in the face of the challenges of life have taught her family and friends how to live and we will miss her so much. A memorial and celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday February 25, 2023, 8680 E. Main Street Suite 1E, Frisco, Texas 75035. Memorial contributions are welcome at Donna’s ministry of choice: True North Church, 8680 E. Main Street Suite 1E, Crestview Professional Center, Frisco, Texas 75035. Online giving link is http://www.truenorthchurchfrisco.com/giving.html

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Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

214-306-6700