Donna Parley Garka

Donna Parley Garka, a Livemore resident and former Lab employee, died Feb. 15, after battling cancer.

Garka was born in Livermore in 1956. In the 1980s, she worked at the Department of Applied Science (DAS) at the Lab in support of UC Davis professors, students and Lab employees. Later, she worked in Physical Security.

Garka enjoyed spending time with her family, scrapbooking, cooking, attending her children’s sports and school events and going to hockey games.

She is survived by her husband Don, a Lab employee at the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF); her son, Owen; daughter, Megan; her father, August Parley of Livermore, a former Laboratory employee who retired in 1984; her mother Mary Parley, also of Livermore; her sister, Denise O’Brien; brothers Wes, Duane, Brian, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering for Garka was held at the Valley Montessori School with family and friends in attendance. A scholarship fund has been established in her name. Friends who wish to honor her memory with a donation may send it to the Donna Garka Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Valley Montessori School, 1273 North Livermore Ave., Livermore, CA 94551.