Donalyn Cowden
Oct. 20, 1931-Aug. 21, 2024
Pleasanton, California

It is with great sadness that we share news of the death of our beloved mother, Donalyn Rees Cowden. Donalyn passed away peacefully with family by her side on Aug. 21,2024.

Born in Colombus, Ohio, Donalyn spent many happy years growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with her parents Merlin and Mildred Rees, and sisters, Maralyn and Karen. She married Wayne Cowden in1952 and together they were able to build a family and lifetime of love. As a little girl she enjoyed playing in the loft full of sawdust at her grandfather’s planing mill and cabinet shop with her sisters and cousins. In the years to come, she helped her father promote his John Deer Tractor business at the Iowa State Fair and during college she was invited to sing on the radio.

After high school graduation, Donalyn attended Colorado Women’s College in Denver and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Colorado State College of Education in Greely, Colorado. In 1980 Donalyn completed her Master of Education at St. Mary’s College, Moraga, CA. She taught 5th grade at Alisal School and was a Reading and Resource Specialist and Special Education teacher for the Pleasanton School District for 35 years. She had many fond memories of her students, and the time she taught in Pleasanton. She was grateful when students would reintroduce themselves to her after she retired.

Donalyn was a warm, thoughtful and extremely polite lady. She greatly appreciated any assistance she received from those around her. Martha, Craig and Paul were educated in social protocol such as how to set a table (including which utensil to use for what), writing thank you notes, and to present ourselves in a positive light in any situation After retirement Donalyn and Wayne traveled extensively all over the world, which they enjoyed thoroughly. They acquired a home in Maui after visiting there for their 25th anniversary. The family continues to enjoy staying at “Grandma and Grandpa’s place”. They were gracious hosts, and she enjoyed teaching anyone who visited all about the flora and fauna of Maui, tide pooling, and learning to say “humuhumunukunukuapua’a”. She really enjoyed spoiling her grandkids!

Donalyn was proud that she participated in “deep water aerobics” for many years and worked as a volunteer at ValleyCare Hospital. She was a dedicated member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter WB, Pleasanton. A group passionate about supporting and motivating women through education. Donalyn is well known for her great dinner parties. Favorites included her beef stroganoff and meat fondue, with a multitude of dipping sauces, and the various ways she prepared the fresh abalone Dad brought home after his diving adventures. Family tradition always included the grandchildren making Cinnamon Brunch Rolls on Christmas Eve so each family could enjoy them on Christmas morning. She enjoyed camping and making sure her children visited as many landmarks as possible. A favorite was visiting the Hershey Chocolate factory in Pennsylvania. Always a teacher…

Her greatest love was her family. She leaves behind her daughter Martha Brown (Hal), Craig (Leigh) and Paul (Lori) and sister, Karen Olander (Ed). She was blessed with eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Donalyn will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and she cherished knowing everyone she met.

Tags: teacher/educator