Madonna Marie Santos

Donna was born on November 23, 1927, in Yankton South Dakota. Sibling to Margie, Kenny, Maury and Celia, she was the third child born to Edward and Frances Nipp.

Growing up in Yankton, Donna attended school in a one room building with one teacher for all eight grades. All of the Nipp cousins went to school together, which made for fun times and fond memories. She would go fishing with her dad and brother, Kenny; while Margie and her mom sewed and watched Maury (Celia was not born yet). In 1942, the family moved to California.

Donna was 15 when they moved to California; she attended Excelsior High school where she graduated. She was involved in the Young People’s Club though St Bernard’s Church, where in 1951, she met Leo Santos. They were married later that year on November 22, 1951 which was Thanksgiving Day.

In 1955 the Santos family began with the birth of their first son Gregory. He was followed by Joseph and then Loretta. Her family was the center of her life. She was very active in all her children’s activities. She was a team mom for Loretta’s drill team with Bellflower Pop Warner, a den leader for Greg and Joe in Boy Scouts, and worked many events at St. Bernard’s School, St. John Bosco High School, and St Joseph High School.

Donna was a devoted member of her church, St. Bernard’s, for over 70 years. In 1947 she was crowned Fiesta Queen. She was a Eucharist Minister, ran the gift shop, helped with the festivals, counted the Sunday donations, and was a member of the Busy Bees. She was always willing to help and give her advice. She had her way of doing things and wanted everyone to follow.

Her happiest times were with her family. She enjoyed fishing and watching her grandkids in whatever activities they were involved. She has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 27th, with her family by her side.