Anna Dato

Anna Dato was born on January 9th, 1932 to Schurer and Sophie Werner. Anna lived in Santa Barbara most of her life. After High School she moved to Los Angeles where she worked in banking and enjoyed Jazz concerts, Operas and Plays that were widely available. In 1959 she married Frank Dato and returned back to Santa Barbara in 1962. She graduated from S.B. Business College and attended Santa Barbara City College. They lived in Goleta during the early years of their marriage, later moving to Santa Barbara in 1975. They had two children, BeaAnne (1960) and Frank (1963). In 1974, she went to work for the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce, first as a secretary and then as the Executive Director, where she stayed until 1988. In 1986 she was named Goleta Woman of the Year. Anna volunteered at various times for Children’s Home Society, United Way, Reach Out and Read, The Goleta Railroad Museum and The American Cancer Society, plus several political campaigns. Anna loved reading, music, walking and watercolor painting. Her fondest memories were of taking all the neighbourhood kids up to the Santa Ynez River to go swimming. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Dato and her daughter-in-law, Desiree Dato. She is survived by her daughter, BeaAnne Dato (Claudia), her son, Frank Dato (Ariella), her three grandchildren, Christopher Dato (Chelsea), Sharayah Dato and Ariana Dato, as well as her 4 great grandchildren, Kayah, Wyatt, Keona and Cage, as well as various other extended family and friends. Many thanks to Kathy Jones, as well as the amazing staff at Vista Del Monte who made her feel extra loved and special the last few months of her life. A memorial service will be held at the Goleta Cemetery and at Vista Del Monte (dates TBD). Donations in her memory may be made to Direct Relief, VNA Health of Santa Barbara and World Wildlife Fund.