Donna Perez Anderson

Donna P. Anderson, 71, passed away peacefully at home in Santa Cruz County, surrounded by her loving family, after a long illness. A native of the Philippines, she was born to Primitiva Perez and Policarpio Molina and spent her early years there before immigrating to the United States with her family.

In 1978, Donna made Santa Cruz County her home, living in Watsonville, Soquel, and Santa Cruz. In the early 1980s, she began an entry-level position at Ametek, an aluminum factory in Watsonville, where she worked her way up to department supervisor. She remained with the company through changes in ownership and name-retiring in the early 2000s from what had become Indalex. Donna took great pride in her work and in rising through the ranks through dedication and determination.

Outside of work, Donna enjoyed cooking, shopping, and visiting thrift stores in search of treasures to add to her extensive collections. She was a passionate and enthusiastic collector of many different items. Above all, Donna's greatest joy came from providing for her family-both in the United States and in the Philippines. She worked tirelessly to ensure her loved ones enjoyed a good life and took pride in offering financial support to her family overseas, helping them attain opportunities and comforts that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Donna is survived by her three children: Marie Anderson Gomez (David Gomez), Miles Anderson (Kristina Anderson), and Jasmin Lo (Arthur Garry DeCaney); her beloved grandchildren: Damion Peña, Issac Peña, Jordan Gomez, Kielyn Anderson, Maxwell Anderson, and Clyde DeCaney; and great-grandchildren: Dante Peña, Kyri Peña, and EmmaLynn Peña. She also leaves behind two siblings: Federico Aguilar Jr. of Gilroy, CA, and Beatriz Aguilar Espiritu of the Philippines, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in the Philippines.

Donna will be remembered as a beautiful, joyful, and strong woman who lived the American Dream and shared its blessings generously with those she loved. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.

Published in The Pajaronian · August 15, 2025