Donna Darnell

Donna was born on May 12, 1935, in Orange County and spent her entire life in California, moving with her family to La Canada in the 1940s. From her youth, she loved animals and was an ardent horsewoman. She was also an avid reader and advocate of the benefits of a quality education. Donna graduated from Scripps University in 1956, enjoying her years there so much that she developed a life-long relationship with her alma mater, endowing scholarships there in her name and becoming a fixture at reunion celebrations, most recently attending her 60th in 2016.

Donna obtained a degree in Library sciences and her career took her to the University of Southern California, sparking another lifelong interest: USC football. She moved to Corona Del Mar in the 1980s to care for her ailing mother and stayed on in the community after her passing.

Throughout her life, Donna travelled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Her preferred method of travel was by ocean liner and she often returned to the UK, developing a strong appreciation for England's history and traditions. Most recently, this manifested itself in her interest in the TV show Downton Abbey. She had strong opinions on all of the characters!

Her love for animals was a consistent thread throughout her life. She would go to the track at Del Mar, mostly just to admire the horses (and to gamble, but just a little) and she got to know every dog in her neighborhood (and most of the owners too). Her other interests included playing tennis, following the stock market and classic cars.

Public service was important to Donna and she volunteered for many years at the Newport Beach Public Library and was a member of the Oasis Garden Club. She was also active in the Newport Center United Methodist Church.

Donna was a kind and generous woman, especially supportive of her extended family. She is predeceased by her father Don Darnell, mother Dorothy Darnell and her brother Gary Darnell. She is survived by niece Susan Darnell, nephew Don Darnell, grandnieces Ruby and Pepper, many cousins, in-laws and countless friends.

A graveside memorial service at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park is scheduled for Saturday the 10th of September at 10am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the Darnell family.