Donna Rae Dernovich McAvoy
Donna Rae Dernovich McAvoy 87, passed away peacefully with family who loved her by her side on January 4, 2021. Donna, born in Chariton, Iowa, moved often as a coal miner’s daughter, throughout Iowa, Wyoming and Utah. After returning to Iowa, she attended and graduated from Charition High School in 1951 and attended Eastern Illinois State College
In 1955, she moved to Arizona. In 1959, Donna joined Epsilon Sigma Alpha a philanthropic organization as a Beta Gamma. During her 62 year membership, she held many offices, within the local chapter, and on the Arizona Council, including State President, and was dubbed, several times, Woman of the Year. She was a strong supporter of St Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital and Easter Seals. She organized walks, golf tournaments, radio-thons and numerous other events to support these organizations and was proud that ESA was the largest 3rd party donor to St Jude’s. She also served as Legal Secretary to local attorney Marvin Johnson for 60 years.
Donna was extraordinary in everything she did - she demonstrated a love and passion for life, like none other. Always up for a new adventure, she even went on a snorkeling trip, off the coast of Kauai, and she didn’t even know how to swim!! An avid golfer and member of Women’s Golf Clubs, at both Shalimar and Mesa Country Club, Donna was a dedicated sports fan. There wasn’t a player or coach, who wore the uniform of the Arizona DiamondBacks or Arizona Cardinals, that she didn’t know everything about them. However, her true love, was the Arizona State Sun Devils, for whom she was a season ticket holder for many years. And you could tell how many games had been on TV the day before, by the level of Donna’s laryngitis. Her hobbies were many. In addition to golf, she found great pleasure in sewing, bowling, painting, knitting, reading and her daily crossword puzzle. And she even earned her “Right Seat” pilot’s license.
She had incredible faith and a strong commitment to family. And her proudest accomplishment, was that of being the Mom to Kimberly and Michael. With the zeal and pride of a lioness, as a single mom, she provided a life of wondrous experiences and down-to-earth values, to her children.
With all of her interests, she got the biggest smile, spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. A remarkable woman, who brought joy & light to everyone she met. All who knew her, loved her, and were better because of it.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents Vance & Louise Dernovich and brother Vance Dernovich. Donna is survived by her brother Rex Dernovich(Shirley), her daughter Kimberly Guariglio(George), son Michael McAvoy (Cheryl), grandchildren Jennifer, Justin, Britni, Taylor, Nicholas, Austin, Collin and Kaylee, great grandchildren Dalyn, Carson, Jaxson, Easton, Sutton, Clark and Huxton.
A Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled for April 10, 2021 at 2:00 at First United Methodist Church 15 E First Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
In lieu of flowers, family is asking donations be made to the Donna McAvoy Memorial Endowment Foundation for scholarships at ESA Foundation 363 West Drake Road, Ft Collins, CO 80526