Donna Sullivan Joseph

Donna S. Joseph (née Sullivan), age 89, passed away on January 12, 2026, in the arms of her son, Andrew, surrounded by the religious sisters and dear friends at the Jeanne Jugan Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, in Washington, DC.

Born on November 4, 1936, in Bucksport, Maine, Donna was the daughter—and second youngest of eight children—of Mary V. (née Mitchell) and Harold M. Sullivan, Sr.

Donna endured profound loss early in life, losing her father at age three and her husband at 33. Despite these tragedies, she was resilient and determined—parlaying her grit and intellect into a lifetime of meaningful work to support herself and children. And even though she lacked material wealth, she was exceedingly generous, with a love for all four legged creatures, especially strays and those in need. Donna opened her heart throughout her life, gathering many close friends through a genuine kindness for others. She was well-known for her wonderful sense of humor and love of laughter.

In her golden years, Donna returned to her roots, first living with her beloved brother, Dan and wife Marguerita, in Bangor, Maine, and eventually moving to her own “cozy” apartment near downtown. It was here that she leaned into her Catholic faith as a member of St. John’s Catholic Church (St. Paul the Apostle Parish). For the next twenty years, Donna enjoyed many joyous events with the Sullivan, Davenport, and King families, and would regularly travel to visit her children and grandchildren in New Jersey, Maryland, and Ohio.

As best she could, Donna made the world a more beautiful place. Her last occupation, which brought her great joy, was serving as a care aide for seniors. She embraced these people, many of whom were elder orphans. She would bring small treats, gifts, and flowers to brighten their days—share photos and stories, making them feel loved. During holidays, she prepared small gift bags and delivered them door to door at a motel which served as a temporary shelter for Bangor’s destitute and homeless. She adopted a small patch of ground outside her apartment, near the roadway, cleaning up the accumulated litter, beautifying it each spring with annuals and perennial flowers.

For the final two years of her life, Donna resided at her home in Washington, DC. As in all places she lived, Donna was much loved by those around her—here, the sisters, staff, and residents of the beautiful Little Sisters community. And, of course, she and her dear friend, Stephen, would dutifully feed a stray cat and the birds that lived outside their home.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John T. Joseph; son, John T. Joseph, Jr.; daughter, Brett G. Wood, and son-in-law, John W. Wood; siblings Joanne Sullivan, Mary Lou Lehman, Harold Sullivan, Dorothy (Dorsey) Hutchinson, and Danial Sullivan; and dear friend, Goria Eaddy.

She is survived by her son, Andrew (Susan) Joseph; grandchildren, Courtey (John) L. Emery, Robert J. Wood, Emily J. (Jonathan) Gren, Elizabeth R. (Samuel) Stout, and Theodore H. Joseph; great grandchildren, Jacob P. Emery, Samual A. Stout, Jr., Theresa S. Stout, and Baby Gren; siblings, Bernice (Bunny) Davis and John S. Sullivan; In-laws, Hart T. (Jane) Joseph; lifelong friend, Karen S. (Mike) Ford, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel in Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Little Sister of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Home, 4200 Harewood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20017, https://littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.org/donate/.