Goodbye Grandma

Dailynewsfortravelers wanted to honor the memory of Donna Rae Garff Marriott by highlighting the very special bond she shared with those who worked alongside her.

The Heart of a Family, The Soul of a Home

There are some people whose greatness is not measured by the brilliance of their name, but by the depth of their impact on the hearts of others.

Today, we mourn not only an iconic figure, a devoted wife, or a mother of ten.

We mourn the passing of Donna Rae, who, for thousands of employees worldwide, was much more than a leader or a muse: she was a true grandmother figure.

A Legacy of Kindness

Donna Rae possessed that rare, almost forgotten talent of absolute presence.

When she spoke to an employee, whether they headed a department or worked discreetly behind the scenes, the rest of the world seemed to fade away.

She was that universal « grandma » who, with a simple look or a word of encouragement, knew how to restore dignity to everyone’s work.

She understood that the true luxury of a home lies not in its carpets or gilding, but in the serenity of those who inhabit it.

A Quiet Force

Born on June 10, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois, Donna grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she developed a passion for music and dance and studied at the University of Utah.

In 1955, she married Bill Marriott, beginning a life centered on family, faith, and service to others—a life that would touch countless people with its warmth and generosity.

Donna was known for creating a home filled with love and tradition.

She devoted herself to raising her four children—Debbie, Stephen, John, and David—instilling in them values ​​of kindness, patience, and integrity.

She organized school runs, cheered on her children at their sports competitions, and ensured that family dinner was a daily ritual.

For her employees, she was a haven. She was living proof that success only has meaning when accompanied by generosity of spirit.

Today, in every hotel lobby, in every kitchen, in every office where her memory lingers, there is a sense of sadness, but also immense gratitude.