Donna Marie Perry

In loving memory of Donna Marie Perry. Donna Marie was born in Stockton, California to Ernest and Mary Muzio on July 30, 1936. She was the second of 4 children. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Fletcher Joe Perry and stepson Michael Perry. She is survived by her three siblings Nancy, Elizabeth and Ernest “Ralph” Jr., daughter Gabrielle Vasseur, stepchildren John Perry, Joann Fraizer, Denese Simmons, and Karen Perry, 11 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. Donna lived a bright and vibrant life. She absolutely loved people, indeed she was a “super fan” of people as her grandson Bryan would always say. And she collected friends and family along the way. Once you became a friend, you also became part of her extended family for life. And as one might imagine, her extended family was very, VERY large. Throughout her life, Donna worked diligently in many different professions. She enjoyed each job she had, increasing her knowledge and learning new skills as she went along. Donna was also extremely creative and loved all the arts, in all mediums: entertainment, film, fashion, painting, sculpting, music, pottery, etc. She appreciated and admired anyone who could create beauty in the world. She was a talented seamstress and at a very young age would make doll clothes and costumes for school plays and such. As she got older, she worked as a seamstress for a tailor in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and created costumes for an Off Broadway Review among other things. She also worked as an Legal Secretary for 2 different Law Firms, and as an Executive Assistant for Anna Miller's Pies. After retirement, she went to floral school and began her own custom floral arrangement business and as a flower designer for Hawes Flowers in Mesa. She also loved to paint and draw; creating quite a few beautiful pieces of her own art. A Nichiren Buddhist, Donna practiced the Buddhist faith for over 40 years. She was proud to be a member of the Soka Gakkai International, or SGI-USA. She served as a community leader for many years with such joy and compassion for her fellow members.. Through her faith, she worked tirelessly towards kosen rufu: world peace through individual happiness. Donna truly enjoyed life. She was an avid sports fan who followed baseball, basketball, football and tennis. Being from Northern California, she loved the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Forty Niners. She had a special connection with the Niners as her beloved husband had a prominent football career playing for them. She loved spending time surrounded by her friends and family; whether sailing on San Francisco bay, hanging out at her favorite spot or throwing one of her famous get-togethers. Everyone looked forward to one of her events, especially her Christmas Eve potluck. Her door was always open, her house always warm and inviting. She welcomed all. Many will miss being in the happy company of Donna Maire Perry. She leaves a legacy of love and happiness behind her. Those who had the pleasure to know her felt her warm and caring heart, her shining smile, sparkling eyes and vibrant spirit. Friends wishing to honor Donna’s life may consider donating to one of her favorite causes in her name such as Doctors without Borders, Planned Parenthood, St. Judes or any animal sanctuary or women's support organization. A Celebration of Life Memorial to be announced at a later date.