Gloria Donawa

Visitation will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, Bradenton FL. from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am. Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Our Lady of the Angels Church, Bradenton FL. A reception will follow at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, Bradenton, FL. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at Skyway Memorial Gardens, Palmetto, FL.

Gloria was the daughter of the late Perfecto and Clauria (Pacheco) Rivas. She was born in La Pastora Village, Arouca on the island of Trinidad, but grew up in the capital, Port-of Spain, one of ten children. She immigrated to the U.S. with her husband Allan Donawa and four children in 1978. Gloria was a loving, selfless person to her children, grandchildren, and anyone who spent time in her presence. She was a first-rate cook and an avid recipe collector. She loved baking, and gardening and was blessed with an exceptional “green thumb”. Gloria loved to dance and Zumba. She took any opportunity to express her love of music and dance especially in the genres of Latin, Calypso, and Parang music. She left a legacy of living life with a positive outlook and the importance of nurturing family as a priority.

Gloria was a loving and caring mother to Karen (Tim) Horn, Alison (Kevin) Morris, Sherry (Burke) Johnson, and Brian (Niki) Donawa. She was grandmother to Casey, Kelly, and Patrick Morris, Nicholas and Blake Horn, Harlee, Olivia, and Marcus Johnson, and Claire Donawa. She is survived by her sisters, Vena Lucy (Rivas) Carrington, Monica Rivas, and brothers, Francis Rivas, and Anthony Rivas.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, Perfecto and Clauria Rivas, sisters, Decederia Daisy (Rivas) Aleong, Katherine (Rivas) Hilaire, Juanita (Rivas) Leon, Rosey Rivas, and brother, Francis Patrick Rivas.

To all who helped with her care, thank you. Gloria lived life with grace, joy, and quiet strength. She will live in our hearts and be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Tidewell Foundation, 3550 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239, www.tidewellfoundation.org or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org.

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