Donna Grace Grady

Donna Grace (Rubino) Grady, beloved wife, mother, and friend to all, passed away suddenly but peacefully in her home on April 12, 2021. A native of Dunmore, PA, she attended Dunmore Central Catholic High School, and worked as a wedding buyer at Oppenheim Department Store, where she developed her love of retail. At age 19, she met the love of her life, Tom, and after they married, they navigated cross-country moves, parenthood, travel, and owning businesses together. They have called New Jersey; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Irvine, and Canyon Lake, California home. They enjoyed a wonderful life, and celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in 2020.

Donna was a devoted mother, PTA President, Volunteer of the Year, and employee of the Irvine Unified School District. She was her daughters’ biggest support and cheerleader, and a surrogate mother to many friends and employees. She maintained many life-long friendships, and was always active in her community. Her warm, beautiful smile lit up a room, and her gardening and party hosting skills we unparalleled. She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, selflessness, and infectious personality, and will be dearly missed.

Donna was a driving force behind the family businesses, including Redhawk Auto Service. Always an active learner, she was a member of the Automotive Training Institute (ATI), a 20-group Leader, and helped Redhawk become one of the Top 25 Shops in the country. She supported Jacob’s House Temecula, and several other charities to ensure that others have support in their time of need.

After the tragic passing of her daughter, Donna and Jennifer developed an annual scholarship in Danielle’s name at the University of Arizona, Sigma Kappa Sorority, to help defray education costs for promising students, and planned beautiful community events in her daughter’s honor.

Donna is survived by her husband, Thomas; daughter, Jennifer; son-in-law Mitch Blecha; and numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her daughter Danielle; father Donato Rubino; mother Jennie Summa; and half-sister JoAnn Bordi. She was proud to finally become a dual Italian citizen with her daughter Jennifer this year.

Donations can be made in Donna’s name to Jacob’s House Temecula: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/donnagrady

VISITATION/VIEWING

MAY 27. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (PST)

Mariners Church

5001 Newport Coast Dr.

Irvine, CA 92603

Please RSVP to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/151234645897

CHURCH SERVICE AND RECEPTION

MAY 27. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (PST)

Mariners Church, Upper Room

5001 Newport Coast Dr.

Irvine, CA 92603

Please RSVP to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/151234645897

VIRTUAL LIVE STREAM OPTION

A VIRTUAL LIVESTREAM option is available for those who cannot attend in person.

Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/151237496423

You can watch the service at the scheduled time here:

https://www.marinerschurch.org/memorial-service/

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

MAY 27. 2:00 PM (PST)

El Toro Memorial Park

25751 Trabuco Rd

Lake Forest, CA 92630

Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/151234645897

CEMETERY DETAILS

El Toro Memorial Park

25751 Trabuco Rd

Lake Forest, CA 92630