Joyce Del Pero Donaldson

Joyce Del Pero Donaldson, age 85, of Sacramento, California, passed away peacefully at her home on December 24th, 2025. Born and raised in Yuba City, California, Joyce spent most of her adult life in Sacramento, where she raised her family and formed many long lasting relationships.

Joyce worked for over 30 years as an administrative assistant for the State of California Governor’s Office and the United States Federal District Court System. She was known for her excellent communication skills, dedication, and strong work ethic.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents Mario and Rhodora Del Pero; her beloved sister, Judy Wells (Bill); previous husbands Carl Overstreet and Michael Panico; and the love of her life, Gary Donaldson, to whom she was married for 20 years.

Joyce is survived by her brother Joe Del Pero (Aherne), son, Lee Overstreet (Linda), daughter Jolie Costello (Vince), Gary’s children Joey Donaldson (Susan) and Jill Farrell (Bill), Michael’s children Shawn (Sherri), Jeremy (Rande) and Nick (Heather) Panico, grandchildren Siena, Lauren and Sophia Overstreet, Craig Costello (Laurel), Kayla Dominguez (Tony), Hazel and Megan Farrell, Joey and Lucas (Alina) Donaldson, Kyle and Connor Panico, and great-grandchildren Reese and Carys Costello, Iliana and Camila Dominguez, and Ryder, Juliana, Michael and Andrew Panico.

Joyce received tremendous care from many doctors, nurses and others at Kaiser Permanente including her incredible long time PCP, Dr. John Versoza, as well as from her talented and loving caregiver, Lavenia (La) Savou.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. at East Lawn Elk Grove Mortuary, located at 9189 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624. Donations in memory of Joyce to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association are welcome.

Joyce will forever be remembered for her positivity, strength, faith, and the unwavering love that she had for Gary and her family.