Dona Jean de Garmo

Dona Jean de Garmo, beloved wife, mother, friend, equestrian and animal lover, died unexpectedly Tuesday, October 18, as a result of complications related to an illness she had been suffering from for several years.

Dona was born on October 1, 1931 in Santa Monica, California, where she attended elementary, junior high, high school and junior college. At the age of 17 she married Charlie, her devoted husband and soulmate of 62 years. Their marriage was a true love story, friendship and partnership. Dona loved being a mother and wife, and her relationships with her children and husband reflected that. Dona and Charlie had three children: Denise, 61; Chuck, 57; and Claudia, also 57. Dona was a fun and loving grandmother, “grammy”, “gaga” and “dot” to her five grandchildren: Sarah, Emma, Alex, Sean; and Tyge.

In addition to her love of family and friends, Dona had a passion for horses that began when she was a young girl. Dona always dreamed of owning a ranch, and she and Charlie fell in love with Point Dume when they were dating. As luck and a large amount of determination would have it, Dona was able to fulfill her dream of building a ranch in Malibu. In 1976 Dona and Charlie bought an acre of land in Point Dume and embarked on a grand adventure, which Dona wholeheartedly embraced: They built their ranch; she enrolled in Santa Monica college and earned her AA degree; and she acquired Princess, a pony that reignited her passion from girlhood. She and Charlie went on to start a horse boarding business, which kept their ranch buzzing with life and activity, leading to lifelong relationships with people who came to know and love them. Dona’s passion was horses, and Charlie’s passion was Dona, and they worked side by side living their dream, which was filled with love, laughter and lots of animals. Over the next 30 years Dona would own and love three more horses: Penny, Sadie and finally Lola who she rode up until a month ago.

Dona is survived by her husband Charlie, their children Denise; Chuck and his wife Roxane; and Claudia and her husband Karl; grandchildren, Emma, Sarah, Sean and Alex; and precious critters Katherine, Lola and Bunny. She will be forever missed by the many people who love her.

Per the family’s request, memorial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charitable organization whose cause is close to Dona’s heart: Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary, P.O. Box 354, Chatham, NY 12037-0354, (518) 392-0175 http://www.equineadvocates.org/about.php