Newport school surprises longtime aide — a former film actress and Copacabana showgirl — with a 90th-birthday celebration
As Donna Custer headed to work Monday morning at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic School after winter recess, she sensed something different was coming as colleagues wished her a happy 90th birthday.
Sure enough, as she was led into the multipurpose room, a throng of students, faculty members and parents gave her a hero’s welcome with cheers and a bouquet of yellow flowers.
Custer began her 28-year tenure with the Newport Beach school in 1989 as a part-time aide after leaving a real estate job and an earlier life in show business.
On Monday, Custer, also known by the stage name May Wynn, took a seat at the front of the room and a group of students counted to 90. Then she was serenaded by two students who sang Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.”
Custer said her heart was pounding as she walked into the packed room.
“I loved every minute of it,” she said. “I feel very lucky.”
The Rev. Kerry Beaulieu, who led a blessing and prayer in her honor, said, “We’re delighted to honor you this day on your birthday for all you’ve done for our school.”
When she was 18, Custer (then Donna Hickey) worked as a showgirl at the famed New York City nightclub Copacabana. She later signed with 20th Century Fox and moved to Los Angeles.
She appeared in films such as Edward Dmytryk’s “The Caine Mutiny” (1954, with Humphrey Bogart) and Rudolph Maté’s “The Violent Men” (1955, with Glenn Ford). She adopted her stage name from the character she played in “The Caine Mutiny.”
The Newport Beach resident said she still receives mail from fans of her movies.
Custer now uses her experience to help students at Our Lady Queen of Angels build confidence during her after-school public speaking classes. She also teaches handwriting.
Colleagues described her as a beacon of faith with an unrelenting passion to help students take charge in their lives.
“She’s the most encouraging person anyone would want and reminds us all that age is only a number,” said school counselor Marcy Morimoto.
Twitter: @vegapriscella
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