Donna George Presta

Donna was born to Edward and Vivian George on August 22, 1943 in San Francisco. Edward was a union carpenter and WWII veteran, while Vivian took care of the home. They taught her to throw a baseball, clean a fish, work in the shop, cook, sew and other skills to live a simple, resourceful life. A lifelong California native, her family moved from San Francisco to Daly City and then San Carlos, where she attended Westmoor and Carlmont High Schools (respectively).

In 1962 Donna met Peter Presta working at Western Electric in Burlingame; they wed in 1964.

Soon they moved to Menlo Park to raise their children, Matt (b,1969), and Stephanie (b. 1975). Their third child Ray (b. 1978) was adopted a few years later. Their children were her greatest joy and inspiration.

Donna enjoyed the creativity and peacefulness of gardening (she had a green thumb) but it was her love of cooking that brought so much happiness to herself and others. She loved to share her delicious homemade dishes and desserts with family, friends, old and new. More than anything, she loved teaching her three grandchildren the joy of cooking for others. Together they created countless cookies and happy memories.

Donna worked tirelessly as a teacher’s aid for 40 years. She began her career at Nativity School in Menlo Park and then moved to the Redwood City School district where she retired in 2015. Donna knew the importance of being selfless and giving back to her communities. She volunteered at the Family Tree Thrift Shop, the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots and her local polling locations. Her drive to help others even extended to online communities like nextdoor.org. As a result of her giving spirit, she easily made many friends with whom she tried new restaurants, exercise classes or walking trails. Whether at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Cardiac Rehabilitation, or someone she just met, Donna had a friendly smile for everyone.

After replacing both hips and a heart valve, she took life head-on with renewed vigor; committing to improving herself physically and mentally. She continued to dedicate herself to bringing joy and helping others as much as possible. While she left us a far too soon, she was an inspiration to many, spreading love and positive energy to family, students, and countless friends throughout the Bay Area.

Donna is survived by her brother, Mark; her husband Peter; her son Matt, his wife Mira and their children Fino and Francois; her daughter Stephanie and her husband JC and their daughter Vivi; and her son Ray.

Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, Sep. 29, 2018 at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home in San Mateo, CA. Inurnment at Olivet Memorial Park in Colma, CA.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Donna Presta, to Peninsula Family Service or the American Cancer Society.

PAID OBITUARY