Marriott International Mourns Donna Rae Garff Marriott, Beloved Matriarch and Pillar of Service

Marriott International is mourning the passing of Donna Rae Garff Marriott, the devoted wife of Chairman Emeritus J.W. Bill Marriott Jr., who died peacefully on December 30, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 89.

In a statement released by Marriott International, the company shared that Donna Marriott and her husband Bill had recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone - 70 years of marriage, a testament to a partnership rooted in love, faith, and family.

Born on June 10, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois, Donna Rae Garff was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she developed a deep appreciation for music and dance. She attended the University of Utah, where fate intervened in the most unexpected way - meeting the man who would become her lifelong partner.

In 1955, she married Bill Marriott and began a life dedicated to nurturing family bonds, serving her community, and living her faith with quiet strength and generosity.

Donna Marriott was the heart of her family, raising four children - Debbie, Stephen, John, and David while instilling enduring values of kindness, patience, and integrity. She was known for the everyday moments that made childhood magical: driving carpools, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, and ensuring family dinners remained a nightly tradition.

Holidays held a special place in her heart. Donna Marriott lovingly brought generations together through festive gatherings that included children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her handmade needlepoint stockings and ornaments became cherished family heirlooms - symbols of love stitched into tradition.

“I first met the girl of my dreams sitting on a bench at a bus stop at the University of Utah. She has blessed my life and the lives of our children and grandchildren for over 70 years. It has been a joyful marriage and partnership. I will dearly miss her. I love her with all of my heart.”

Faith was a cornerstone of Donna Marriott’s life. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in leadership roles including Primary President and Relief Society Counselor, touching countless lives through her compassion and leadership.

Her commitment to service extended well beyond the church. For many years, she chaired the American Heart Association’s Heart Luncheon in Washington, D.C., one of the organization’s largest and most impactful fundraising events.

Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, paid tribute to her legacy:

“Donna’s kindness and devotion touched everyone who knew her. She exemplified grace and strength, and her love for family was evident in everything she did. Our hearts are with Mr. Marriott and the entire Marriott family during this profound loss.”
- Anthony Capuano

Donna Marriott is survived by her husband Bill; her children Debbie (and husband Ron), John (and wife Muriel), and David (and wife Carrie); daughters-in-law Juliana Marriott and Angela Marriott; 15 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by sisters Joanne (Ray Hart) and Linda (Michael Rutter); sister-in-law Suzanne Cooper; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dick and Nancy Marriott; along with many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her son Stephen; her father Royal Garff; her mother Marba; her stepmother Maxine, who lovingly helped raise the Garff children; and her brother Dennis Garff.

Donna Rae Garff Marriott leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and quiet strength, one that will continue to inspire her family and all those whose lives she touched.