Donna Marie Lucas

Born on April 22, 1955, in Barberton, Ohio, Donna Marie was the beautiful daughter of Francis and Joan Brienzo. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Santa Barbara, the city in which she would eventually meet her high school sweetheart, Christopher Lucas. Donna and Chris, young and in love, were married on January 28, 1979, at the age of 23. After moving to the small town of Visalia in 1980, they began to grow their family and were blessed with their two sons: Ryan and Sean. Few things brought her more joy in life than being the mother to her two boys and her light shone brightest when caring for her sons.

Donna was retired from the Visalia Unified School District in June of 2010 after 23 years of work as the Secretary at Pinkham Elementary School. She loved her work and those she worked with and took immense joy in her time at Pinkham. Donna was very well read, as she would spend her evenings exploring the pages of both fiction and non-fiction novels, the Bible, or various writings of scripture, often with her two loyal canine companions, Luna, and Charlie-Ann by her side. In the later years of her life, she began the habit of journaling; a practice that left behind insights into life so well-articulated and vulnerable, that they would allow her family to continue to learn from her for years to come.

The love Donna has for her two sons was matched only by the love she gave to her granddaughter, Iyla. The two would spend hours each day together, exploring the vast imaginative world that only a grandmother and granddaughter could share. They cherished each other’s unconditional love, and we take comfort in knowing Donna’s spirit is, and always will be, flourishing in Iyla.

Donna was a devout Christian and a beloved member of Gateway Church of Visalia. The love, positivity and strength of Donna’s life is unequalled in beauty, and she will be deeply missed by many. While we may be letting go of her hand today, she will remain in our hearts forever, as the Lord accepts her into Heaven.

“I am the light in the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. at GateWay Church

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Lucas family.