Donna Doreen Kinne, 65

Donna Doreen Kinne, age 65, passed away on Saturday Feb. 26, 2022, at her home in Bakersfield, Calif.

Donna “DeeDee” Kinne was born on May 20, 1956, in Long Beach, Calif., to Army Air Corp Officer and American Airlines Capt. Kenneth Warren Kinne and Thelma Doreen Kinne. Donna attended Nordhoff High School in Ojai, Calif., and graduated from Ventura College of Nursing in 1981.

Donna was a self-proclaimed gypsy nurse. Her love of travel, adventure and innate ability to help people culminated in a 42 year career as a nurse. Her career spanned several hospitals in Tulare and Ventura Counties in California, Kootenai County in Idaho, and Maury County in Tennessee.

When she wasn’t nursing professionally, she took time to care for others during their personal health struggles. Her heart was always in Ojai, Calif., where she spent the majority of her childhood, early married life, and where her two daughters, Chelsea and Bailey, were born. Though her career took her around the country, Ojai will always be where she called “home.” Donna returned to California in retirement to be close to her daughters and grandchildren, who lovingly called her grandma DeeDee.

Donna’s greatest passions were water, music, and friendships. The beaches of California as well as the rivers and lakes of North Idaho were some of her favorite places. She was happiest when she was swimming, rafting, or floating in the water and you could find her anywhere there was live music playing. Donna lived for her friendships, some of which spanned across her entire life. Her bright smile and kind heart drew people to her.

Donna is survived by her sister Linda Johnson (Rob) of Franklin, Tenn.; daughters, Chelsea Devine (Sean) of Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif., and Bailey Devitt (Brian) of Bakersfield, Calif.; two nieces, three nephews; and her five grandchildren: Lila Devine, Grant Devitt, Jackson Devine, Danyn Devitt, and Callan Devine. Donna was preceded in death by her parents: Warren and Doreen Kinne; her brother: Craig Kinne; and her fiancé: Bill.

The family will honor Donna with a Celebration of Life in Orange County, Calif., on March 19, 2022.