Donna Claire Sartain Strothers, BHS 1946

Daily Breeze (Torrance, CA) - Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Donna Stothers

Donna Stothers, 88, of Rancho Palos Verdes died June 6, 2016 at Bright Water Guest Home in Torrance with her daughter Debra at her side. She succumbed to complications related to renal failure and CHF.

Donna was born Donna Claire Sartain to William A. Sartain and Helen Eunice Horton Sartain, on April 2, 1928 in San Diego, California. Donna graduated from Burbank High School in 1946 after which she worked at the Broadway Hollywood, at the Burbank Library and as a photographers model.

She married James Moore Stothers in the First Presbyterian Church of Burbank on August 20, 1949. They had three daughters and in 1956, Jim's work moved them to Arizona and then New York City. In 1969 Jim and Donna returned to California, settling in Rancho Palos Verdes. Donna worked for Findlay's Jewelry store in Peninsula Center. She joined PEO, a women's philanthropic organization and volunteered for Torrance Memorial Hospital, working in the gift shop for 17 years. She was very proud of her years of volunteer work and treasured the friendships she made. 

Donna was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Jim who died March, 2016. She is survived by her daughters Catherine Collins and husband John of Bakersfield Vermont, Debra Curry and husband Mark of Woodland Hills, and Deidre McCarrel of Vancouver British Columbia; her brother William Sartain; sisters-in-law Joyce Stothers and Jeanne Irvine and her husband Bill. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs Theodore and KC, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and close friends including Aleta, Dottie, Dolores, Nancy, Ronnie, Fran, and Marguerite. 

Donna's family would like to thank Torrance Memorial Hospital, Sunnyside Nursing Home, Bright Water Guest Home, Cherish Hospice and Dr. Ghosh for the amazing care and concern that each one of these organizations and individuals provided to our Mom.

There will be a memorial service for family and friends of Donna and Jim Stothers on August 24, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. A gathering at the family home will follow the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Donna's name to Cottey College, P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.