Donna Marie DiCarlo Elliott

February 17, 1932 - February 17, 2011

Mamie Marie DiCarlo was born on February 17, 1932 in Los Angeles California. She was born at home on Compton Ave. Her parents, Antonio and Marianna DiCarlo, came over from Corleone, Sicily as teenagers. She was the youngest of three; she had two brothers James and Louie. She grew up in a traditional Italian American family. She had wonderful memories of living with her entire family; including aunt, uncles, and cousins. She would tell you that she was very spoiled and always got whatever she wanted. Her favorite childhood memories included growing up with her brothers and cousins and the love she felt from her parents. She always said she was the most loved child there ever was. She married Vincent Vaccarello in 1952 and had two sons Leslie and Paul. While she raised her two boys, she was a nurse’s aid and worked with polio patients. She eventually ended up in Beaumont in 1967 where she owned and managed Rainbow Haven Guest Home for 22 years; she had a unique and wonderful talent with “her people” as she called them. Her daughters-in-law, Jan and Lin, also both worked at the rest home as teenagers before marrying Les and Paul. She didn’t learn to drive until much later in life, at the age of 44. Although reading didn’t come easy for her, she loved to read books and to study the Bible. She was baptized by Jerry Kendall on June 16, 1976 and became a faithful member of the Church of Christ. Later she worshipped for many years at Yucaipa Church of Christ and Carson City Church of Christ in Nevada. At the church in Beaumont she met Bill Elliott; they were married on June 22, 1989 and began a 13 year adventure where they traveled to many wonderful places. Among her most memorable travel experiences were her many trips to the Philippines where she stood by Bill as he built a multipurpose room for Sunrise Christian College in Butuan City. To live in a foreign country and learn to adapt to the Philippine culture was something she never dreamed she could do. Not only did she adapt and learn to love the culture she touched many of the student’s lives and had many wonderful stories to share when she returned. Another of her most fondest memories was her beloved ranch; “The Ponderosa” as they called it in Bridgeport, California. They built their log cabin home starting in 1987 and then built it all over again after a fire burned it to the ground. If you were lucky enough to visit her at her ranch than you knew how special and beautiful it was. She called it her home for 13 years and there she shared many fond memories with Bill.

Although she was Mamie to her family and Donna to many of you, she was Nonnie to her grandchildren and to most every young person she encountered. She was the most wonderful Nonnie anyone could ask for. Jason, Jeffrey, Leslie, Nicole, Paul, Alexandra, and her one great grandchild Alexander all spent many amazing years with her. Each one could write a book about their Nonnie and how special she was to each one. There wasn’t anything Nonnie would not do, from sitting on the floor for hours playing horses and Barbie to board games and cards. You never heard a complaint; in fact the word “no” did not exist to any request they made. Even in her last days she cherished every moment she could spend with Alexander. From her grandchildren: To our beloved “little Nonnie” thank you for all the wonderful years you gave us. You will be greatly missed. Donna/Mamie will be remembered as a loving and giving woman of God who always put everyone first before herself. We will all cherish our own wonderful memories of her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Beaumont Church of Christ 960 E. Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont, CA 92223. Private Inurnment at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA.

Arrangements entrusted to Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.