Just found out that Donna had passed away and am in shock. Donna and Larry were a rare breed that took on government wrongs and didn't quit. They accomplished the impossible. Their dedication to Jojoba will always be remembered. She will always be remembered as being a part of the history of Jojoba and a person who could accomplish the impossible.

George & Lois Donaldson

April 29, 2018

There are no words that can adequately convey all she did for our desert community. Some people just simply can not be replaced.

Les Starks

April 18, 2018

Donna, you and Larry were my heros for the duration of extensive work you all did for all of us here in the desert to prevent the Eagle Mountain Landfill from becoming a reality. I will never forget the night of Eric Burdon's concert to benefit defeating Eagle Mountain or the presentation you and Penny newman gave about the proliferation of wind turbine development in the San Gorgonio Pass and what we could do to stop it. Even though we lost that great battle hands down, it was a heartfelt evening of fellowship with like minded people. Everyone living in the pass was sincerely thankful to have you, Larry and Penny on our side. Like you always did, I'm signing this-- In Solidarity, Donna--I love you with all my heart

I will never forget that awesome laugh of yours. Miss you Aunt Donna

Marisol

April 17, 2018

How you can show support

Notify Me

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Aaron Young

April 10, 2018

I immediately realized that Donna was on the same wave length as myself,...angry against the existing establishment regarding acceptance of unacceptable venues and programs that did not abort the abhorrent direction that we , as a universal family are engaged in!

Jerry Freilich

January 31, 2018

Just learned of Donna's passing (Jan 31, 2018) and was saddened and shocked. She was my rock. The most determined, most feisty, most diligent, most sincere, and most principled defender of the desert and its biological treasures I have ever met ... or could ever imagine. As a career scientist with the National Park Service I must say that Donna was the ally, defender, and spiritual lifeblood for all of us. The parks, and of course our beloved Joshua Tree especially, owe a huge debt of gratitude to her devotion, her energy, and her boundless enthusiasm. We will miss you, dear one....

Terry Frewun

December 24, 2017

Honored & privileged to have shared the common struggles with these two champions of the deserts. One of the joys of my life was making Donna laugh. And what a laugh it was! I will l miss her. Dearly.

Jennie

December 1, 2017

I love you Sister. I will miss you every day of my life. I will carry you in my heart until we meet again..Rest in Peace my precious girl.

chekoya

November 27, 2017

Your love for the desert and wildlife will never be forgotten! Thank you for your inspiration and perseverance!

Laraine Turk

November 27, 2017

Donnas leadership in defending the desert is almost mythical. She was one of the first desert activists I heard of when I moved to Joshua Tree. Few can match the decades of commitment and sacrifice that Donna (and Larry) gave, but those of us who try to continue similar work must be exceedingly grateful for the foundation she has given us. She spent decades with lots of pain and sacrifice and occasional celebration in defending the desert. I had reason to drive south on the 177 to I-10 on Saturday and thought of her throughout the drive, saddened by the solar panels in the wrong place near their jojoba farm, but happy and grateful to Donna especially, and all the people that followed her lead, that Eagle Mountain didnt become a dump. Heres a prayer of thanks to the Universe that she was with us and gave so much, and condolences to all of us for her untimely passing, and our great loss.

John Maeder

November 25, 2017

Good desert people. Vaya con dios, Donna. Thank you for protecting our patch.

Donna & Larry

Steve Brown

November 25, 2017

Donna & Larry

Steve Brown

November 25, 2017

Maggie Hawkins

November 23, 2017

Donna,
Your work, heart and passion will be solely missed. May the Universe hold most amazing adventures for you sister warrior. The stars are a little dimmer in the desert sky in your absence.

Penny Newman

November 20, 2017

I'm crushed! One of my dearest friends has passed away. Donna Charpied was one of the bravest, most courageous, stubborn people I have ever known. There was no compromising with Donna- there was right and wrong. She demanded we each give our best and held us accountable. While she held us to the highest standards she demanded even more of herself. Donna was my conscience, my co-conspirator, my warrior partner but most of all my friend. I will greatly miss her - as will our world. My deepest sympathies to Latty. I love you both.

Jennie

November 19, 2017

I have refrained my putting my feelings in. Cyberspace as I am a very private person. Donna is my precious Sister, my precious girl. The heartbreak and grief is unbearable. Donna was a fierce champion and protector of the desert, nature and all that it encompassed. I was and will always be so proud of her for what she accomplished in "Stopping the dump" to protect JTNP and the "Give it Back" program she was so very passionate about. She literally spent her entire adult life defending this. However, I also knew her a a very sweet,kind,gentle and frail spirit. Maybe too frail for this world. I Don't know how I will ever get through this thing called life without her. I pray that God Will deliver to her every tear I have shed to let her realize what she meant to me. DONNA JEAN.....THANK YOU FOR BEING MY SISTER. REST IS PEACE MY PRECIOUS GIRL

November 19, 2017

Donna was a true champion. She will be greatly missed.

Kevin Emmerich

November 19, 2017

Donna was a great friend and desert defender. I am so sorry that she is gone now. She lives on in the beautiful landscapes of the desert.

Claudia and Danny Sall

November 19, 2017

Donna was a fearless warrier/champion of the desert. Her passing comes with great shock and grief to the communities of the Morongo Basin and the Coachella Valley.
Within her spirit resided a fierce green fire which ignited a passionite and devoted following to defeat such onerous land projects as the Eagle Mountain Dump. She is an irreplaceable force but she has left behind with us a inspirational legacy of citizen devotion to the land. Her wily humor will be remembered & also be sorely missed.
Thanks Donna for your time with us and know that we have taken to heart your hard-won lessons of how the fight and win against "city hall".
We promise: we will stay the fight with our last breaths too!
Loving memories and deepsest sympathies to you Larry on the loss of your wonderful girl.
Claudia & Danny Sall
Pioneertown, CA

Pat Flanagan

November 19, 2017

As I drove through Joshua Tree NP yesterday I thought of you and Larry and your love of the desert and what a difference you made in its ongoing story. Were it not for you I would have lost my good humor - touched with sadness - as I crossed over the I-10 watching a line of garbage trucks head for Eagle Mountain. But those trucks weren't there and instead I thought of your smile and laugh and storage shed of legal documents. Thanks for living your life with truth and energy. With love,

Fran Mercuri

November 17, 2017

Donna was always very different . She did hear a different drummer and always followed that tug. Imagine farming deep in the Dry California Desert how appropriate. Rejoice in Peace.

November 17, 2017

The Furrick's send our sympathy and prayers. We all grew up together, our families were close.I remember her laugh, it was contagious. ..thanks for the laughter Donna, RIP

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results