Donna Rae Hallak; Travel Agency Co-Owner

Donna Rae Hallak, vice president of Aardvark Travel in Mission Hills and former executive director of three local chambers of commerce, has died at her Sylmar home. She was 53.

Mrs. Hallak died Saturday of heart failure, her husband, Frank Hallak, said.

Born in North Bend, Ore., she came to California in 1961 and, along with her husband, owned and operated four small markets in Sylmar and San Fernando. In 1978, the couple sold the markets and later established an import-export company in Sylmar called Amara International. In 1984, they became partners in Aardvark Travel and later bought the business.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Mrs. Hallak served as executive director of the Mission Hills, Sylmar and Panorama City chambers of commerce. She was also past president of the Sylmar Independent Baseball League Women’s Division, past PTA president at Light & Life Christian School in Sylmar, member of the Holy Cross Medical Center Woman’s Guild and member of the Sylmar Woman’s Club.

In addition to her husband of 34 years, Mrs. Hallak is survived by her sons Frank Hallak Jr. of Lancaster and John Christopher Hallak of Sylmar; daughter Tami Kaye of Sacramento; two brothers; five sisters; and four grandchildren.

A funeral was held Monday. Burial was Tuesday at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood. Pierce Brothers Valhalla Mortuary handled the arrangements. Donations may be made in Mrs. Hallak’s name to the Holy Cross Medical Center Foundation, 15031 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills 91345.