Donna Rae Garff Marriott, the wife of J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr., chairman emeritus of Marriott International, died on Dec. 30 at 90 years old. She and her husband recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Born June 10, 1935, in Evanston, Ill., Donna grew up in Salt Lake City and attended the University of Utah. She married Bill Marriott in 1955 and raised four children—Debbie, Stephen, John and David. Her family, which grew to include grand children and great-grandchildren, recalled her handmade needlepoint stockings and ornaments that “became treasured family keepsakes,” according to a statement. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in leadership roles including Primary President and Relief Society Counselor. She also chaired the American Heart Association’s Heart Luncheon in Washington, D.C., one of the organization’s largest fundraisers.
“I first met the girl of my dreams sitting on a bench at a bus stop at the University of Utah,” Bill Marriott said in the statement. “She has blessed my life and the lives our children and grandchildren for over 70 years. It has been a joyful marriage and partnership. I will dearly miss her. I love her with all of my heart.”
“Donna’s kindness and devotion touched everyone who knew her,” said Anthony Capuano, president and chief executive officer, Marriott International. “She exemplified grace and strength, and her love for family was evident in everything she did. Our hearts are with Mr. Marriott, David, Debbie, John, and the entire Marriott family as they navigate this profound loss.”
Donna Marriott is survived by her husband, Bill; children Debbie and her husband, Ron; John and his wife, Muriel; David and his wife, Carrie; daughters-in-law Juliana Marriott and Angela Marriott. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, sisters Joanne (Ray Hart) and Linda (Michael Rutter); sister-in-law Suzanne Cooper; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dick and Nancy Marriott; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen; her father, Royal Garff; her mother, Marba; Royal’s second wife, Maxine, who helped raise the Garff children; and her brother, Dennis Garff. A full obituary can be found here.
A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the Marriott family requests contributions be made to the American Heart Association of Greater Washington, D.C. Region.