Donna Marie Alexander

Donna Marie Alexander, 97 of Torrance, California, passed quietly on November 3rd 2024 in Thousand Oaks, California. Born on February 4, 1927 in Battle Creek, Michigan, Donna dedicated her life to her family, leaving behind a legacy of love and wonderful memories.

In 1929, Donna’s family moved to Sydney, Australia, where she attended grammar and high school, followed by business college. She moved back to the United States in her early 20’s and lived in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she worked for the POST cereal company for 4 years. Donna moved to California and worked at TRW aerospace company. In 1963, she met the love of her life Benton Alexander, and they were married in 1964 and moved to Torrance, CA, where they raised their two daughters. Donna worked for the Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo from 1970 to 1991on the Airforce Base in Space Test Division as an Executive Secretary for the top Engineers who directly contributed to many of the space and satellite projects.

Donna enjoyed retirement in Bullhead City, AZ and Torrance. In retirement she volunteered at numerous organizations including Bullhead hospital and Torrance meals on wheels and at all the churches she attended. Her hobbies included playing games, bowling, golfing, traveling, line dancing, and going to the theatre. Unfortunately, Benton passed unexpectedly in November of 1999. Donna’s greatest achievement was her unwavering love and commitment to her family which she cherished above all else. She was a devoted wife, mother to her daughters and grandmother to her eight grandchildren. 

Donna was best known for her ability to bring joy to everyone around her with her positive energy and for hosting parties where she enjoyed dancing and celebrating with friends and family. She had a caring heart of gold and her generosity was endless. 

She was a member of Riviera Methodist Church, Redondo Beach, Bull Head Methodist Church and in later life attended The Bridge Church in Newbury Park. 

Donna is survived by her daughters, Holly Sahakian, Carol Holden, son in laws, Ed Sahakian, Warren Holden, 8 grandchildren, Jasmine, Matthew, Luke and James Sahakian, Claire and Sean Mosher, Chase and Kayleen Holden. 

Donna, affectionately known as “Mama Donna” will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In her memory, we hope to carry forward her legacy of love, generosity, and gratitude, aspiring to embrace life as she always did with a positive and thankful outlook on life no matter what life brings.