Obituary of Marlene Dondero

Marlene Dondero was born Oct 14 1942 in Sacramento to Raymond & Maxine (Ramos) Dondero. She died July 2, 2011 at UC Davis of heart failure. She is survived by her mother, her daughter Stacey (Aby) Higgins of Pennsylvania, son-in-law William, granddaughters Marie, Annaliese and Julina, all of PA; her son Mark Aby of San Diego; sister Carol Gailey of Antioch, brother-in-law Wayne, and nephews John (& Stephanie), Chris (& Michelle), and Michael. Her father died in 1944 in Leyte, Philippines, during WWII. Her loving step-father, John Miller, raised and cared for her. Grandpa John passed in 2004. Marlene lived with her grandmother Mary (Dondero) Conconi for 2 years in Amador City, 1944-46, before rejoining her mother in Martinez. Every summer after, Marlene would spend her days in Amador City with her Grandma Noni. She married Kent Aby in 1963 and lived in Concord for a few years before returning to Sutter Creek to raise her children alone. She owned and operated Marty's Boutique in Sutter Creek in the mid 1970's, and then worked for the State until her retirement in 2001. Mom was a free spirit who never minded marching to the beat of a different drum. She loved Indian history and folklore, being at the Mokelumne River, sunsets, creating art always with a splash of glitter, and travelling to see her grandchildren. She liked belly dancing, bows and arrows, and Sonny & Cher. Most of all, she loved her family. She adored her mother, and was a proud mom and grandma. She did what she wanted, when she wanted, just how she wanted, all the way to her last breath. She was loved. Services were held at Daneri Mortuary in Jackson, and interment was at Sutter Creek Catholic Cemetery on July 13. Condolences may be sent to the family at staceymhiggins@msn.com.