Dr Donna Pangilinan-Simpao, a physician, educator and co-author of The Little One’s Journal, has died, leaving a lasting legacy in medicine, education and family advocacy. Her death has been met with tributes from readers, parents and educators who credit her with shaping more thoughtful and holistic approaches to learning and wellbeing.
Dr Pangilinan-Simpao was widely known for her work supporting healthy families and intentional living, particularly within Filipino communities. Trained as a physician, she brought a compassionate, whole-person perspective to her professional life, blending medical knowledge with education, creativity and care for emotional development.
Alongside her work in healthcare, she was a passionate educator and homeschooling advocate. She believed deeply in nurturing curiosity, values and creativity in children, and encouraged parents to be active partners in their children’s learning. Friends and colleagues said she had a rare ability to explain complex ideas with warmth and clarity, empowering families to make thoughtful choices about education and wellness.
She was the co-author of The Little One’s Journal, an activity book designed to foster creativity, reflection and joyful learning in young children. The book reflected her philosophy that learning should be gentle, purposeful and rooted in connection. Readers have described it as both practical and heartfelt, mirroring its creator’s approach to teaching and parenting.
Tributes following her death have highlighted not only her professional achievements, but her kindness, humility and dedication to service. Many spoke of her generosity with time and knowledge, and of the quiet encouragement she offered to parents and educators navigating their own journeys.
Dr Pangilinan-Simpao’s influence extended beyond classrooms and clinics. Through her writing, teaching and advocacy, she helped shape conversations around holistic education and family wellness, leaving an enduring imprint on those she reached. She is remembered as a devoted physician, an inspiring educator and a lifelong learner herself. Dr Donna Pangilinan-Simpao will live on through her work, her words and the countless young minds and families she inspired.