Donna Rae Garff Marriott, Cherished Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Community Leader, Passes Away at Age 90

Rhea-AI Summary

Marriott (NASDAQ: MAR) announced the passing of Donna Rae Garff Marriott on December 30, 2025, at age 90. She died peacefully surrounded by family after celebrating her 70th wedding anniversary with husband J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr.

Born June 10, 1935, Donna grew up in Salt Lake City, attended the University of Utah, raised four children, and was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and community philanthropy, including chairing the American Heart Association Heart Luncheon in Washington, D.C. A private memorial will be held; the family requests donations to the American Heart Association of Greater Washington DC Region in lieu of flowers.

Key Figures

Age at passing 90 years Donna Rae Garff Marriott’s age at death

Marriage duration 70 years Length of marriage to J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr.

Children 4 children Number of children raised by Donna and Bill Marriott

Grandchildren 15 grandchildren Descendants noted in obituary

Great-grandchildren 36 great-grandchildren Descendants noted in obituary

Market Reality Check

$324.91 Last Close

Volume Volume 865,058 is 0.55x the 20-day average of 1,583,995, suggesting subdued trading ahead of this announcement. low

Technical Shares at $313.96, modestly below the 52-week high of $316.69 and trading above the 200-day MA of $266.91.

Peers on Argus

Sector peers show mixed moves: HLT -0.33%, H -0.34%, HTHT -2.10%, while IHG +0.01% and WH +0.35%. With MAR at -0.15%, action appears stock-specific rather than a clear sector trend.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 17	Brand expansion	Positive	+1.3%	Announced reaching 100 signed City Express agreements and new APEC signings.
Dec 03	Portfolio growth	Positive	+0.7%	Design Hotels added 14+ Asia Pacific properties, boosting portfolio growth.
Nov 21	Conference appearance	Positive	+0.1%	CFO scheduled to speak at Barclays Eat, Sleep, Play, Shop Conference.
Nov 18	Brand collaboration	Positive	+0.0%	Ritz-Carlton and Late Checkout expanded their collaborative lifestyle collection.
Nov 13	Workplace recognition	Positive	-1.4%	Named a top World’s Best Workplace but shares declined following the news.

Pattern Detected

Recent corporate news (brand expansion, recognition, conferences) generally saw small positive price reactions, with one notable negative move on workplace recognition news.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Marriott issued several growth- and brand-focused updates. On Nov 13, it was named a top World’s Best Workplace, yet shares fell 1.45%. Later news on Design Hotels expansion in Asia Pacific (Dec 3) and 100 City Express signings (Dec 17) saw modest gains of 0.66% and 1.34%. The current obituary is personal and commemorative, contrasting with these prior business-oriented catalysts.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement commemorates Donna Rae Garff Marriott’s life and contributions as a family and community leader, rather than signaling a shift in Marriott International’s operations or strategy. Recent corporate news focused on growth in brands like City Express and Design Hotels and on workplace recognition. Investors tracking the company may treat this as a significant personal event for the founding family, while continuing to monitor future updates on growth, development, and profitability metrics.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International announces with deep sadness the passing of Donna Rae Garff Marriott, a woman of grace, faith, and unwavering devotion to family. Mrs. Marriott passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She and J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Marriott International, recently celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary.

Born June 10, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois, Donna grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she developed a love for music and dance and attended the University of Utah. In 1955, she married Bill Marriott, beginning a life centered on family, faith, and service – a life that would touch countless others through her warmth and generosity.

Donna was known for creating a home filled with love and tradition. She devoted herself to raising four children – Debbie, Stephen, John, and David – instilling values of kindness, patience, and integrity. She drove carpools, cheered at sporting events, and made sure family dinners were a nightly ritual. Holidays were her special joy, marked by gatherings that brought together children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and by her handmade needlepoint stockings and ornaments that became treasured family keepsakes.

"I first met the girl of my dreams sitting on a bench at a bus stop at the University of Utah," said Bill Marriott. "She has blessed my life and the lives 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's life. A dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in leadership roles including Primary President and Relief Society Counselor. Her commitment to service extended 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 fundraisers.

"Donna's kindness and devotion touched everyone who knew her," said Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. "She exemplified grace and strength, and her love for family was evident in everything she did. Our hearts are with Mr. Marriott, David, Debbie, John, and the entire Marriott family as they navigate this profound loss."

Donna Marriott is survived by her husband, Bill; children Debbie and her husband, Ron; John and his wife, Muriel; David and his wife, Carrie; daughters-in-law Juliana Marriott and Angela Marriott.  She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, sisters Joanne (Ray Hart) and Linda (Michael Rutter); sister-in-law Suzanne Cooper; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dick and Nancy Marriott; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen; her father, Royal Garff; her mother, Marba; Royal's second wife, Maxine, who lovingly helped raise the Garff children; and her brother, Dennis Garff. Donna's obituary can be found here.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the Marriott family requests contributions be made to the American Heart Association of Greater Washington DC Region.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of over 9,700 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 143 countries and territories, as of September 30, 2025. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/donna-rae-garff-marriott-cherished-wife-mother-grandmother-and-community-leader-passes-away-at-age-90-302651230.html

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

FAQ

When did Donna Rae Garff Marriott pass away and how old was she (MAR)?

Donna Rae Garff Marriott passed away on December 30, 2025 at age 90.

What is Donna Marriott's relation to Marriott (MAR) leadership?

She was the wife of J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Marriott (MAR).

Will Marriott (MAR) hold a public memorial for Donna Rae Garff Marriott?

A private memorial will be held for family and close friends; no public service date was provided.

How did the Marriott family ask people to honor Donna Rae Garff Marriott?

The family requests contributions to the American Heart Association of Greater Washington DC Region in lieu of flowers.

What were key personal details about Donna Rae Garff Marriott reported on December 31, 2025?

Reported details include her birthdate June 10, 1935, University of Utah attendance, four children, and long-term community and church service.