Donna Martine Pierce April 26, 1944 - September 7, 2025

Donna Martine Pierce passed away on September 7, 2025, in Turlock, California. Born on April 26, 1944, in Hamilton, Ohio, Donna was the eldest daughter of Robert Donald and Maylo Elizabeth Breidenthal. At the end of World War II, Donna met her father when he returned from the South Pacific after which the family moved to California. Donna grew up in Atascadero, California where she met her soulmate and life partner, Wayne Stanley Pierce while they were in the cafeteria in elementary school, listening to the Dodgers play the Yankees in the world series. They became Dodgers fans then and there and after they were married, Donna loved to say that Wayne gave her diamonds for their anniversary every year – baseball diamonds – as they traveled across the country enjoying baseball games and always, always rooting for their beloved Dodgers. Upon graduation from high school , Donna studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara for two years, then joined Wayne after their marriage at Washington State University where she completed her bachelor’s degree while he finished his Ph. D. Donna and Wayne moved to Turlock in 1971 when he was hired to teach Botany at CSU, Stanislaus. Donna taught at the California Youth Authority for 27 years where she positively impacted the lives of many young men and was highly esteemed by her colleagues.

Donna and Wayne were enthusiastic and generous supporters of CSUS, particularly of the Athletic Department, the Music Department and in funding scholarships for students. Donna was very gratified that she was able to carry out Wayne’s dream of creating the Trans-California Pathway on campus for the benefit of all CSUS students and faculty. Both Donna and Wayne were extremely proud to be associated with CSU, Stanislaus. Donna was kind, generous, witty and hilarious. She possessed a joie de vivre that imbued every fiber of her being. Her joyful outlook was contagious, and a multitude of friends were inevitably caught up in the whirlwind of her adventures as she lived life to the fullest. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and loved her.

She is survived by her sisters Denise Windhorst of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Marianne Franco of Lodi, California; daughter Amy Lynn Darling of Santa Rosa, California; grandchildren Erin and Max, and great grandson Jameson. Donna requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Trans-California Pathway at CSU, Stanislaus.

Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, September 24 at Allen Mortuary, 247 N. Broadway in Turlock. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, September 25 at First Presbyterian Church, 2619 N. Berkeley Ave. in Turlock. Interment will be in Atascadero Cemetery.