Donna Palmer

Carrie Carr, Sharon Maloney, Donna Palmer, Vicky Dyer-Smith, and Sharon Brier

Donna and Steve’s wedding day in Austin, May 20, 1973.

The fun pair are hoisted into the air while seated on chairs at daughter Erika Mandel’s wedding, part of the joyful hora dance traditionally performed at Jewish wedding receptions. (Photo: Adam Nyholt Photography)

FAMILY FUN The couple’s love for each other is a template for how marriage should be, say their grown children, Erika Mandel and Dustin Palmer. From left: Jed Mandel with wife Erika and Dustin join Steve and Donna on one of many fun family outings.

The couple say they are “madly in love” with (from left) grandsons Jack, Max, and Sonny Mandel, Erika and Jed’s children.

A LASTING LOVE Bellaire High School sweethearts Donna and Steve Palmer share a mutual respect for what each has brought to nearly 51 years of marriage. Included in that? Lots of laughter. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

A LASTING LOVE Bellaire High School sweethearts Donna and Steve Palmer share a mutual respect for what each has brought to nearly 51 years of marriage. Included in that? Lots of laughter. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

Happiness and hugs during the University of Oklahoma ZBT fraternity formal.

Brenda Fant, Nancy Reichek, Donna Palmer, Debby Stanton, Sharon Brier, and Cindy Atlas

Sharon Brier and fellow museum patrons at their opening ceremony (she’d like to add that she was a brunette back then). Pictured (from left) are Joan Lebow, Teri Straus, Linda Segal, Donna Palmer, Sharon, Susan Spitzberg, and Jean Robin.

As part of a surprise party for Susan Spitzberg's 65th dinner, these gals cooked her fave foods. From left: Joan Lebow, Cindy Atlas, honoree Susan Spitzberg, Donna Palmer, Sharon Brier, Jean Robin, Patsy Segal and Teri Straus.

Donna Palmer says her first grandson, Jack Mandel, is "pure joy."