Donna Burnett

August 30, 1931 - February 18, 2023

EL CAJON — Donna Marie Burnett, 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 18, 2023.

Donna was born to Catherine and John Cawley on August 30, 1931, in San Diego, CA.

As a young girl Donna performed as an Irish Dancer in various USO camp shows, and for soldiers at Balboa Hospital.

Donna graduated from San Diego High School in 1949. She was a Sergeanettes Majorette Lieutenant and was The Majorette Winner & Representative of San Diego Pasadena Rose Parade in 1949 and marched in the parade. Donna met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Richard “Dick” Burnett while attending San Diego High School. They shared 65 wonderful years of marriage together until his passing in 2018. Throughout her life, Donna remained active in the SDHS Alumni Foundation.

Donna graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Business. She worked as a secretary for San Diego Unified and Cajon Valley School Districts.

Donna loved raising her two daughters, Kerry, and Kelly. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren Victoria and Russell. Donna enjoyed skiing and traveling but was most passionate following Notre Dame football that had included several trips to South Bend, IN, with her husband, Richard. Donna also loved her Old English Sheepdogs.

Donna loved her extended Cawley family. Going to Christmas dinner at the Cawley’s or having a birthday celebration with the Cawley cousins was one of her most precious events. She treasured her time with her relatives and taught her children the importance of family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Burnett, and her two brothers John and Richard Cawley. She is survived by her daughters, Kerry (Jeff ) Barnes, Kelly (Robert) Werner, and two grandchildren Victoria and Russell Werner.

Mass of Resurrection will be held on March 31, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1638 Polk Ave, San Diego, CA. Graveside Service will be held on March 31, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Singing Hills Memorial Park, 2800 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA. Reception follows at 2:00 pm.

Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com