Donna Daniell
It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Donna Lynn Daniell, who departed this life on August 9, 2025, at the age of 75, following complications related to Lewy Body Dementia.
Donna was born on June 14, 1950, in Pasadena, California, to Charles and Jean Eames. Her vibrant spirit and warm heart touched many throughout her life. She built a career and a community at the Santa Anita Race Track, where she worked for 37 years and developed a deep appreciation for horse racing. She retired in 2017. Her passion extended beyond work, as she also enjoyed owning racehorses and attending the track with family and friends.
In 1996, Donna married the love of her life, Jim Daniell. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and countless cherished memories. Donna was a devoted mother to her daughter Chelsea and her son Josh, and a proud grandmother to Alexis, Haden, Kolbe, and Kirra. Her family was the light of her life.
Donna had a special gift for making others feel welcomed and loved. Whether she was planning thoughtful events, baking homemade treats, or creating unique crafts, she poured her heart into everything she did. Her creativity, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She found great joy in vacationing in Maui, where she felt at peace among the islands’ natural beauty—a place that matched her own vibrant and nurturing soul.
Donna is survived by her beloved husband Jim, her daughter and son in law Chelsea and Jason Rushlow, her son and daughter in law Josh and Chelsey Fink, her grandchildren Alexis and Haden Rushlow as well as Kolbe, and Kirra Fink and her siblings Bonnie Jo, Chuck, and Tim. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Jean Eames.
Her legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on September 20th, 2025 at San Gabriel Country Club at 11:30.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.