Dona Camille Sullivan

Dona Camille Sullivan, aged 92, passed away on October 1, 2024, at her home in Heritage Palms, California, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 1, 1931, at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California, the youngest of three children to Frank and Montana (Monte) Oldmen.

Dona's life was centered around her family and her enduring marriage to Robert Leroy Sullivan, whom she married in 1951. Their love story began in middle school and lasted nearly eight decades, with Robert often recalling that he knew even as a boy that Dona was the one he would marry. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for each other during their 73-year marriage.

The couple lived in various places, starting in Pasadena and Arcadia, and enjoyed summers and weekends at El Morro Beach and in the San Gabriel Mountains. In 1982, they built a home on a golf course in Truckee, where they lived for 21 years before moving Heritage Palms in 2003.

While raising her children, Dona also pursued a professional career in dentistry. She helped run her husband's dental practice and later became a licensed dental hygienist, a role she fulfilled for 25 years. Her gentle and caring nature endeared her to her patients, and she also volunteered to teach dental hygiene to schoolchildren, using handmade puppets to make learning fun.

Dona's creativity and enterprising spirit were well-known among her loved ones. She was an exceptional cook, famous for her homemade meals and holiday treats. She also excelled in crafting, creating quilts, dolls, jewelry, and glass beads. Her home was a gathering place for extended family and friends with Taco Sunday a beloved tradition. Even in retirement, she remained active, working for her daughter until just a week before her passing.

Her warmth, generosity, and humor touched everyone who knew her, leaving a lasting impact on many lives. She will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Dona was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, Frank and Tom, and her son Greg. She is survived by her husband Robert; her children Russ (Sabina) Sullivan, Debbie Sullivan (Greg's widow), Devon (Gordon) Dibble, Matt Sullivan and Jan Valentine, Jeff (Julie) Sullivan, and Suzette (Leo) Overgaag. She is also survived by her grandchildren Eirrin (Rex) Merritt, Aletha (John) Roddenberry, Michael (Charnel) Sullivan, Ashleigh (Doug) Machen, Jordan (Nan) Sullivan, Daniel (Shelley) Sullivan, Ashley (Nick) Cullen-Carroll, Alec Dibble, Christina (Ryan) Burkovich, Nick (Daeleigh)Sullivan, Jordan Smith, Brittney (Quentin) Bubb, Tony Overgaag, and twenty-six great-grandchildren.

A private funeral service is set to take place in Idyllwild.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 9, 2024, at The Classic Club in Palm Desert at 11:00 AM.

In honor of Dona's creativity, attendees are invited to participate in a handmade gift exchange.