Donna June Boston had a warm spirit and generous heart

Dear Editor, On December 27, 2016, the Guyana Netball Association, once a very organized, progressive and vibrant Sports Association, lost another of its former executive members, Ms Donna June Boston, who succumbed after a brief illness. This quiet, focused woman served the Guyana Netball Association as its Treasurer for approximately six years, ending her tenure in 2010 when she did not seek office due to ill-health.

During her years as the Treasurer she helped to raise funds for local competitions and participation in regional tournaments and accompanied at least three teams as an official. Donna was not in the spotlight, was always willing to do whatever it took to assist the Association to facilitate the development of its players and to assist the players to take advantage of any opportunity to raise the standard of their sport.

As a Treasurer her conduct was impeccable and the Association had no reason to question her integrity; she contributed to every endeavour of the Association.

Like all executive members at the time, Donna was a representative of a club. She was a member of All Stars Netball Club whose members were lucky to benefit from her support and kindness throughout her years with them. She was a disciplinarian. The guidance and helping hand she lent the young ladies who formed the core of the club will never be forgotten. Ms Jenise Merissa Aaron, founder member of All Stars Netball Club noted, “Ms Boston had a warm spirit, a generous heart, and a strong desire to see young women from all walks of life given the opportunity to better themselves through sport and the community that athletics can foster”.

She added, “She was an integral part of All Stars and many of us thought of her as our aunt or second mother. Ms Boston dedicated not just her time and energy, but an emotional investment in the well-being of our players that can never be repaid”.

On behalf of the former members of All Stars, Ms Aaron offered, “Our sincerest condolences to Simone and the rest of Ms Boston’s family. Please know that she will be sorely missed and will always be treasured in our hearts and memories.” Yours faithfully, Maxine Parris-Aaron