In Memory and Honor of Donette \"Mimi\"
Donette Daniel Mellana, also affectionately known to many as "Mimi" December 21, 1938 "“ March 31, 2011. Long time resident of Bellflower, California after a courageous battle with cancer, Donette passed away peacefully at her home in Bellflower surrounded in her final days and hours by her loved ones. Donette was born in Vernon, Texas and spent her childhood living with her parents and brother in Wichita Falls, Texas until they moved to Southern California when she was a Freshman in high school. She graduated from Bellflower High School in 1957. She had a long thriving career in real estate for over 45 years, Real Estate though was only her career, her life was her family.
She was one of two children born to Florra "Tiny" and the late Phineas "Tex" Daniel. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to many as the Matriarch of the Underwood and Mellana families. She was preceded in death by two of her precious children Perry Alton Underwood (1962) and Felice Underwood (1996). Donette will forever be remembered by her caring mother "Tiny", devoted brother Michiel, beloved children Daniel Underwood with Connie, Candace Gooch and husband Greg, P.J. and wife Kari, Thomas and wife Michelle, and Gabriel Mellana, treasured grandchildren Daniel and Dustin Underwood, Desiree, Dakota, Devin and Dean Gooch, precious great-grandchildren P.J., Aubree, and Reagan Mellana, also Jason and Jeremy along with countless other family and friends whom were blessed to know her. Donette loved playing board games and cards, laughing, having fun with friends, helping others, traditional family trips to Catalina and Puerto Vallarta, watching all sporting events, but most of all being with her family and caring and providing for children.
Donette touched the lives of many people with her selflessness, grace, beauty, impeccable character, strength, and love. Her family has been blessed beyond words to have her as our resolute rock through the peaks and valleys of life.
During this period of grieving, the family feels comforted and blessed knowing all the lives Donette impacted for the better and what a great support network she has left us with. The family wants to thank all those who have been so encouraging through prayer, blessings, support and kind words. Your actions have strengthened us through these difficult times.
A favorite Poem - "Our Family is a circle of strength and love. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger."
An Amazing Woman.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, April 7th, 2011 at 10:30 am at Hosanna Christian Fellowship, 16705 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706. Fellowship reception to immediately follow at Ruth R. Caruthers Park in Bellflower (western end of park). Those wishing to provide a potluck dish or snack for the reception can do so by bringing it to the park beginning at 9:30 am that morning.
All funeral service expenses have been covered and in lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made on this website where all donations will go towards establishing an education fund in Donette's honor for Gabriel Mellana whose parents are both deceased and whom Donette was raising at the time of her passing as her own son.
When Gabriel came into Mimi\'s life he was a spark of sunshine to her. She was eager to pass along her love and teachings to him as only she could do. As a family we know of no better way to honor her then to continue and take care of Gabriel as he will be entering early adulthood in just a few short years.
If you prefer to send a check, please make check payable directly to Gabriel Mellana and mail to:
Gabriel Mellana
Attn: In Honor of Donette/Mimi
14515 Eastbrook Ave.
Bellflower, CA 90706
To leave a special note to the family and/or in honor of Mimi, please visit our Caring Bridge website:
