March 16, 1956 – August 31, 2023
Donna Gibbs, CSJ died on August 31, 2023 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.
Donna Gibbs was born at Fort Gordon in Augusta Georgia on March 16, 1956. Her family of eight children moved to Pasadena, California as an infant. She received her grade-school education at All Saints Catholic School and graduated from Alhambra High School.
Sister Donna was received into the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet on September 3, 1986 following several years as an associate and affiliate. She earned a degree in child development and spent 30 years as an elementary school teacher.
In 2010, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana awarded her a master’s in Earth literacy, and more recently she received a Master’s degree in Art Therapy. This became a turning point in her life as it unlocked her creativity and opened many doors for her to share her passion for ecology and justice. In recent years, she wrote and illustrated children’s books with ecological themes. Her books help parents and educators midwife a new wisdom in our children, since they now inherit the ability to influence everything that happens to living Earth. Two of her books, The Seamless Universe: A Discovery Guide through Our Great Universe and The Quilter and the Quail, are available from Amazon.
Sister Donna was a gifted teacher and facilitator. Her patience and desire for the person to understand gave others encouragement and empowerment. She leaves a great legacy in her art and writing, and as a primary teacher for many years. Her simple yet profound spirituality can be easily grasped and practiced.
May she rest in peace.
Rest in peace, Sister Donna Polly,