Obituary of Donna Lee Alvarez

Donna Lee Alvarez, passed away unexpectedly on May 7, 2012. Donna was born November 15, 1954 in San Mateo, the daughter of Donald and Barbara Granger. She grew up in Santa Cruz where she attended Mission Hill Junior High and Santa Cruz High School. She later attended Cabrillo College and San Jose State. A life-long resident of Santa Cruz, Donna worked for over 15 years at Salz Tannery and later at Easter Seals of Central California where she served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Sr. Vice President of Programs for over 20 years. Donna was described by her family as a gentle person with a humble spirit and a servant heart. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother and mostly enjoyed spending time with her family. In her spare time she enjoyed horseback riding, reading, world travel and crocheting. She was a member of the Grand Jury, a C.A.S.A volunteer and an advocate for people with autism and special needs. She is survived by her sons, Brandon Alvarez and Brian Alvarez; daughter, Stacey Alvarez; sister, Debbie Granger; grandchildren, Trevor Alvarez, Kylie Alvarez, Justin Alvarez, Ashley Alvarez and Tyler Alvarez; niece, Jessica McNulty and brother-in-law, Pat Cavanaugh. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Steele Granger in 1981 and Barbara Jean Granger in 1984. Viewing hours will be at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Wednesday May 16, 2012 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm followed by a Vigil Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 pm. A celebration of Donna's life will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Monday May 21, 2012 at 12:00 Noon. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to sign the online guest book or light a candle in Donna's memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Donna's family to assist in final expenses.