Marylin R. Donato

Our beloved mother, Marylin Donato, passed away peacefully at home with her family at the age of 89. She is now reunited with her devoted husband of 53 years, who preceded her in death twelve years ago. After suffering a stroke in 2023, she was lovingly cared for in the home of her son and his family, surrounded by those who cherished her. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she later grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, the youngest of five children. In her youth, she developed a passion that would remain part of her identity for life - synchronized swimming. During the 1950s, she competed and traveled the country performing water ballet shows, a time she remembered with joy and pride. She swam with groups including the Athens Club in Oakland and the Los Angeles Club, and often shared stories of those exciting years, including visits to the famed Iverson Ranch, where she met several Hollywood figures.

In 1960, she joined the Women's Army Corps, where she met the man who would become her husband. Both served as stenographers for military officers. They married that same year and began building a life centered on family, faith, and new opportunities. Their journey took them from Pennsylvania to Utah and eventually to California in 1981, where they settled and made their home.

Though her days of performing in the water came to an end, her love of swimming never did, and she made sure her children learned to feel at home in the water from an early age. She was a dedicated homemaker who poured her energy into raising four children, creating a home filled with stability, encouragement, and care.

She and her husband shared many simple joys - cheering on their favorite teams, the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, taking trips to San Francisco, Carmel, and Napa Valley, and later traveling to Italy together. In quieter moments, she loved reading, writing letters and messages to family, researching health, fashion, and travel, and exploring her family's ancestry, which she followed with great enthusiasm. She embraced technology with curiosity, using computers and later her phone to stay connected with loved ones.

A devout Catholic throughout her life, her faith was a steady foundation. She was known for her gentle and reserved nature, yet those close to her knew her warmth, wit, and the laughter she shared in comfortable company.

Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She leaves behind four children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren who carry forward her love, resilience, and quiet strength.

A private family burial will be held on February 9 at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. In her memory, donations may be made to St. Lucy Catholic Parish in Campbell, California ( see link below)

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.