Longtime Resident of Santa Cruz

Donna Lee Rodoni, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Cruz on June 27, 2024 after a brief illness. She was born in St. Louis Missouri on June 22, 1942. She was the daughter of Verna and Walter Gerdes. Donna’s father, Walter, was a pilot in the US Air Force. Donna and her 3 siblings moved to various places throughout the country as her father was transferred to different military bases. It was during this time that Donna developed a great love and respect for the US Military. As a teenager, Donna moved to the San Lorenzo Valley with her family. She attended San Lorenzo High School and remained in Santa Cruz throughout the rest of her life.

After school, Donna worked for several local companies including Granite Rock and Scotts Valley Water District. Donna most enjoyed her work as a volunteer with the Santa Cruz District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Witness Advocate, the Red Cross, the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office Missing Persons Division, voter registration, and as a neighborhood watch coordinator. Donna was active in many local clubs and organizations including 5 years as President of the Santa Cruz County Horseman’s Association.

Donna’s lifelong love of all animals culminated with her owning a pet store for many years on Pacific Avenue called Donna’s Feathers, Fins and Fur. Donna is survived by her daughter Suzanne Rodoni- Silverberg (Kane); sons Daniel Rodoni (Kathleen) and William Rodoni (Siri); granddaughters Kaylee Silverberg, Andreina Rodoni, Bella Rodoni, Nicole Rodoni, and Jenna Rodoni; sisters Edie Newlove-Lefave (Larry) and Beth Farajian (Arlen); 4 nieces and 7 nephews; and by her rottweiler and faithful companion, Katie.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Verna Gerdes; father, Walter Gerdes; and brother, Lonnie Gerdes.

An Interment Service will be held privately. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 24, 2024 at11am at the Graham Hill Showgrounds, 1145 Graham Hill Road in Santa Cruz. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross, the Santa Cruz County Horsemen’s Association, and the Animal Friends Rescue Project in Pacific Grove.