Nellie Donniez Educational Scholarship

Nellie Lesquereaux Donniez

Nellie Donniez moved to Titusville, Florida from New Jersey in the early 1920s. She arrived with her husband, Frank, and her parents. The family was originally from Switzerland. Nellie’s father was a jewelry engraver by trade and he also was an accomplished artist, drawing portraits and landscapes in pencil.

Nellie had finished high school in New Jersey and then graduated from the Pratt Institute in New York City. The Institute is primarily known for its highly ranked programs in architecture and design. Nellie was an accomplished artist in fine china painting, as well as watercolor and oils. She was also expert in fabric art, including embroidery, needlework, cutwork, and making lace in the Battenberg style.

After moving to Florida, Nellie’s family invested in the citrus industry and owned orange groves in the Titusville area. Nellie loved children, but, sadly, never had any children of her own. She found many ways to bless and give generously to children in the community. Nellie founded a scholarship for graduates of the two high schools which allow the recipients to attend any accredited college or vocational school.

Nellie passed away in 1978, leaving many examples of her fine art with her family and friends. She also left generous contributions to the pediatrics department at Parrish Medical Center and to Brevard Community College, which is now known as Eastern Florida State College. The bequests are a reminder of her love for children and young people, a lasting legacy to the Titusville community.