Obituary

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Donna Cuillard, this past weekend.

Donna Lou Debevec Cuillard, age 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025 surrounded by her children. She was born on November 13, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the oldest of four children born to Ralph and Marjorie Debevec. After moving to California in 1953, Donna made her home in Simi Valley, California, for the past 55 years.

Donna devoted her life to her family, raising her seven children with unwavering love and guidance. She is survived by her children: Steven and Melissa Cuillard, Jody Cuillard, Scott and Colleen Cuillard, Robert and Veda Cuillard, Nancy Beehn-Brady, James and Elizabeth Cuillard, and Michael and Krishna Cuillard. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Craig in 2023. Donna was also a cherished sister to Kenneth and Patti Sinclair, John and Nanci Braunschweiger, and Dennis and Julie Debevec.

Later in life, Donna worked for 25 years at O’Connor Brothers Photography Studios in Simi Valley, where she built lasting friendships and remained a familiar, friendly presence to students in the community. Yet her greatest joy and purpose always centered on her family both past & present. She was a devoted mother, grandmother to 27 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 6 great-grandchildren, each of whom felt her deep love and constant support.

Donna will be remembered for her kindness, her readiness to help anyone in need, and her extraordinary dedication to family history. She inspired countless people to discover their own family roots and nurtured a love of genealogy in many. A woman of profound faith, she lived with an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ that guided her every day and touched everyone who knew her.

A service will be held in her honor on Friday, December 5, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 5028 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063. A viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Relief Society Room, followed by a private family prayer at 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Donna’s legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to bless the lives of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.