07/29/2026
Barbara Roth Donaldson, age 92, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 20, 2026. She was born on July 4, 1934, in New York City, New York, to the late Alexander Dunnett Gibson and May Bess (Huberich) Gibson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Alexander “Sandy” Gibson and her first husband of 25 years, Dr. Roy W. Roth. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Dr. John Franklin Donaldson; her sons, Allen (Kim) and Doug (Carrie); her daughter, Margot Bennett (Bruce); nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Throughout her life, music was both her calling and her passion. Barbara served in numerous musical leadership roles, including Organist at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Stamford, Connecticut, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan, Connecticut; Music Director and Organist at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newton, Massachusetts; and Organist and Choir Director at St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Siesta Key, Florida.
Barbara was a resident of Sarasota for 18 years after relocating from her native New England, where she lived in Andover, Massachusetts; Fairfield County, Connecticut; and later in the greater Boston area.
Barbara excelled academically. She was raised on the campus of Phillips Academy in Andover, where her father taught French for many years, while she attended nearby Abbot Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Music from Wellesley College, a master’s degree in French from Yale University, and a master’s degree in Education from Columbia University.
Music and teaching were the cornerstones of Barbara’s life. She briefly taught French in New Canaan public schools while also giving piano lessons to hundreds of young students over the years and directing several choral societies. She served as the organist for more than 50 years at St. Mark’s, Trinity Parish, and St. Boniface Episcopal Churches, as well as at numerous temples throughout the greater Boston area. She especially loved entertaining during the holidays and could play complex Christmas carols, patriotic songs and many hymns from memory well into her 80s.
Barbara enjoyed traveling throughout Europe with her local organists’ society for over 40 years while also exploring many countries on her own. Her sense of adventure was unmatched. On many occasions, she crossed the Atlantic on her own without lodging reservations, simply seeking out fellow music professionals with whom she could spend a night or two—well before the internet made such travel commonplace. Wherever she traveled, she made it a point to visit historic churches and, whenever possible, play their magnificent organs.
Her family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the members and staff of both Aravilla and Sunnyside Village retirement communities in Sarasota for their love, friendship, and support. The family is especially grateful for the unwavering care provided by Kelly Amilcar, whose extraordinary dedication as Barbara’s health care advocate and dear friend to the family meant so much throughout the years.
Barbara was loved deeply by all who knew her and will be remembered for her infectious smile, unwavering determination, and extraordinary love of music. She will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara Roth Donaldson Fund at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, 27 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
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