I worked with Donie on the 1978 Evelle Younger gubernatorial campaign.  She was caring, vivacious, inspiring, and absolutely unforgettable.  Who could not love her! I recall a trip I took with her and a couple other of the campaign staff to Yosemite.  A fabulous trip with splendid memories. I only learned of her passing within the past year and am so saddened. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I pray you are finding peace. There is a lifetime of eternity in the human heart. Hold fast to your memories.

I am heartbroken. Tried to reach donie to no avail. Now I know why. Though I never met her, or even saw a picture of her,I felt as if she was a long time friend after spending countless hours on the phone with her, advocating for homeowner rights.  Her dedication to homeowner rights and tireless work was unmatched in the industry. I will forever cherish her three books that I own, Villa Appalling, California Common Interest Developments, and In the Name of the People. She was an epic writer. Now she is free to live as she chooses. No HOA boards telling her how to live. Godspeed Donie.

Donie was a wonderful lady. She was kind, strong and determined. She fought for the underdog. I talked with her just days before this happened and she gave me hope and guidance during a very difficult period. I'm devastated beyond words to hear that she's gone.

I cant say enough how much of good soul she was.  I met her sending a note to the Times back in 2005 and she and Tom and I became good friends.  I just saw them in December and have been so busy and did not find out till today of her passing and my heart is broken.  Donie was one in 100 million, she gave above and beyond so much to anyone who needed her, she did it because she could and would have been the best lawyer in HOA advocacy the world would ever see.  I will miss her.    Jay Goldstein

Donie was a light in this world.  Her advocacy was a selfless mission and her friendship to so many of us was a gift.  I am grateful for the connection, humbled by her passion and so saddened by the loss.  

I asked Donie for some help in understanding some HOA problems when I got on the Board of  small HOA in La Quinta. She came to my house  and gave me several clippings and other info, and ws a big help over the last several years with her columns. We will all miss her sage ( and humorous, sometimes cutting) advise.. Such a horrible event..

I knew Tom and Donnie since the '80's.  In some ways our relationship seemed like a miracle.  The things Donnie did for me to help me out of impossible situations were amazing.  She was one of the most intelligent woman I ever had the honor to knowing.  Her books about HOA's were my bible.  May her works live forever.

All those who knew and cherished Donie celebrate her wonderful spirit, a dedicated, passionate and compassionate warrior. Donie had a big brain and an even bigger heart, graciously and selflessly sharing her incredible knowledge and comforting so many people. Her advocacy for HOA members was a vital public service and her weekly Association column never ceased to amaze, it was as if Donie was sitting with us at Board meetings, empowering and inspiring the many people's lives she touched. Donie's public service enlightened those involved in HOAs, but more importantly Donie was a devoted, loving daughter and sister who was always concerned with the well-being of family and friends and actively involved in making the world a better place. Donie will remain a powerful force, inspiration and blessing to all who knew her. My prayer is that Donie accomplished all she aspired to achieve. Prayers and deepest sympathy to her family and friends. The beautiful poems written by Alysia and Michael so eloquently captured Donie's spirit and we know Donie is gathering lilies in her garden. Rest in peace darling Donie!

We met in Elementery school in Reseda. Remained friends till the 70's. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She is now in eternal peace and I will always remember her sweet smile. Melanie Mogalian Maseredjian

Donie was wonderful, sincere, compassionate and genuine. Her help on HOA issues was invaluable. I'm so sorry that her life ended this way. I miss her, and will miss her always. Rest in peace dear friend.

Donie, my best friend, my buddy, my rock.  I miss you and love you.  My deepest sympathy to your family
Debrah Kitchings

Donie
We never met but connected as warriors.
I'm speechless but flew from Arizona today to pay my respects for the great acts of personal courage you displayed. 
To your family words feel hopelessly inadequate but I feel humbled by your spirit. It was an honor to have known you.
My sincerest condolences.

Her compassion showed even to those of us who never knew her personally.  Homeowners all over California and America will miss her.  Bless you.  She will be in our hearts as well as yours.  Take care of her wonderful family. Jim Cody

Dear Carissa and Vanitzian family...you have my heart.  May time heal.  May peace come.

-Jeri Cartwright, Phoenix, AZ

She offered her interest, expertise, and compassion about my association issues. To  a stranger,  on long distance phone. And for free! Where do you get that nowadays? Experiencing  a bit of her selfless commitment gave some faith in  humanity. MK

So shocked as I went to last Sunday's Times as usual to read her column, and found notice of Donie's passing.  Donie was my law school buddy and she was instrumental in my being sent by the LA times and going to Sacramento with a new Flag Bill after 9/11 when I wrote to her column about my condo assoc. trying to get me to take down a car flag on my balcony facing an alley.  Gov. Davis signed our bill that we wrote and I was there watching him sign and Donie's help and the legal team (S. Glassman, Attny) was unforgettable!  We emailed often and my memories of her are of a  quick wit, a memorable laugh, and major discussions over computer security.  She was smart, fun, a very giving and loving daughter and sister and a good friend. I will miss her so much.  

Donie was much loved and admired friend, confidant and mentor, as well as brilliant HOA homeowner advocate, HOA homeowner attorney and HOA columnist! And, yes she was so much more too! She will be so greatly missed.  Her loves, yes, her mother who she spoke of often, especially, in the last few years.  Her concern for her mother's care and safety were a priority for her.  Donie's concern, compassion and empathy for others was also evident to those who knew her and who were blessed to be considered "a friend."  Donie will always "be with" many of us. Her unforgettable positive influence and skill, her timely advice, and "her voice" will always be with us.  My prayers, empathy, compassion and sympathy to Donie's mother, siblings, and other family and friends.

Thank you Donnie for setting a new level of speaking up for fairness and justice for homeowners. You helped people who could not help themselves when confronted with HOA abusive tactics. You set an example that homeowners advocates will follow. Your light will shine on. You have been an inspiration. May God bless you. Rest in peace.

Donie was certainly a bright light to those suffering in their HOA or Condo Associations.  Her knowledge was incredible.  Her compassion for helping others was endless.  She invested a great deal of time trying to help me with my HOA nightmare.  I am forever grateful.  

Many times during our telephone conversations she would mention her dear mother.  My heart breaks for her mother and her pain of losing Donie in such an unthinkable way.  My condolences to her family, friends, and those who will forever miss her.  

Donie was taken from us too soon.  The advocates must carry on with educating the innocent homeowners in her memory.

Rest in peace Donie.  You left the world a better place through your efforts to raise awareness and educate the ignorant.  Personally, I will always miss you.

She didn't like having her photo taken - but was captured in these work party photos anyway.

I am so saddened to hear of Donnie's passing. She was a tireless advocate for others, and I am ever grateful for her help and thoughtfulness. She is a huge loss. And I am so very sorry for her family.

I'm in AZ and constantly read her work on HOAs.  I know many people who knew her and had the utmost respect.  I wish I could have met her.  She certainly was an assist to me!  What a huge loss for HOA Advocacy and her friends and family.  I will be forever grateful for what she did for us and know she will be missed.

Words fail in the face of this horrific act ending the life of a wonderful person who had boundless compassion for anyone in need.  Donie would spend countless uncompensated hours counselling those who brought her their problems.  Emerson said that if one person breathed easier because you had lived, you were a success.  Donie was successful beyond measure and her loss has left a huge void.

Larry Mikelson

I am still in shock and disbelief that this bright light has left us.  I have known only a few people that have been blessed with so much talent and intelligence and even among those, Donie stands out as truly amazing.  The great things this woman did and the people she helped will go on for years to come.  She stood up against the biggest of bullies and gave a voice to people who had none after being pushed around and thrown out of their own homes.      Heaven has a bright star tonight.


Condolences to the many who loved Donie and to those who benefited from her wise, compassionate and generous counsel.

The tragic loss of such a dear friend and colleague leaves a vast emptiness in my heart and my life.

Donie was extraordinary not only as a devoted friend but as talented lawyer.  The remarkable depth of her legal genius was seen only by the few who knew it up close.  But her goodwill and generosity in sharing that talent will live on as a permanent legacy among innumerable friends, condo owners and her thousands of her readers.

We have such fond memories of Donie.  Still in shock...

To the family & those closest to my dear friend, Donie:
My heart goes out to you during this most difficult time.  It is so terribly sad when we lose someone with such an outstanding fighting spirit, so much wisdom, compassion & quick-witted legend, & who so willingly, capably & eloquently, helped so many people, working tirelessly sharing her expertise & knowledge for them to obtain justice.
Donie was more than just a friend; she was an amazing person.  Donie was a gift from heaven.  She was always there for us.  We have spent much time communicating.
Her passing will not only leave a huge void in my life, but in the hearts of everyone who knew her.  My memory of her will always remain deep within my heart.  One could not ask for a greater friend.  She is greatly missed.
My sincerest thoughts & prayers are with you.  May she rest in eternal peace.  I grieve her loss greatly.
With respect & deepest sympathy,

Very sorry to hear the news. How tragic. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

I'm so sorry to hear of Donie's passing. She was a colleague and friend. I miss her already.

OBITUARY

Donie Vanitzian

1 January, 1950 – 28 December, 2017

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

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