Our darling Dona Christine Whitcome left this earth on Thursday, September 8, 2022 surrounded by the family she was so tirelessly devoted to.

Born on June 2, 1945 to Ramona and Donald Gibbs, Dona spent her earliest years in Berkeley, California where she would create sweet memories with her parents and beloved Grandma Dodo. After meeting the love of her life and “the most handsome man you’ve ever seen,” Antonio Esquivel Gonzalez, Dona was married and moved to Antioch, California where she became a mother to her four babies.

Matriarch and heart of the family, Dona was adored by all—humans and animals alike. She welcomed everyone into her heart with open arms, trying relentlessly to fill their stomachs simultaneously. She led by example; handling even the toughest situations with fearlessness and grace. She was intelligent and curious; always eager to absorb new information. She had a sense of humor that brought smiles to anyone within earshot, and a smile that made her own eyes sparkle.

Dona’s love continues to flow through the hearts of her four children, Adelita (Elijio) Martinez, Juana (Jeff) Allen, Antonia (Steven) Scott, Antonio (Cindy) Gonzalez, her nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her sweet puppy Jasper. They are all, undoubtedly, her proudest achievements.

And finally, after nearly fifty years apart from one another, Dona and her loving husband are together once again—a day she thought about often. Her family finds peace and comfort in the image of that reunion.

Dona’s life was celebrated at a private memorial service on September 16, 2022.

Many tamales were eaten in her honor.

Te queremos mucho, Grammy.