Donna Marie Sehl

On Wednesday, August 13, Donna Marie Sehl, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. Born in Chantilly, Virginia, and raised by her beloved grandmother, Helen “Nannie” Yates, Donna met her one-and-only, John, in 1981 and married him in 1984. Together, they had 38 years, before John passed away in late 2022. They moved to the Fredericksburg area in 1990 and raised four beautiful children while creating their “Village” of friends, neighbors, and coworkers. She never left a neighbor without, or a friend alone. She made sure to find time to help anyone who needed anything.

In 2001, Donna became a 911 dispatcher for the City of Fredericksburg. She spent over 20 years with the department becoming an integral part of the Police Department, earning many accolades and life long friends along the way. She would not have been who she was without them, and they would not be the same without her.

Donna’s happy place was a warm beach with a cold drink in her hand, and her toes in the cool water. She was finally able to buy a Virginia Beach condo, dubbed SehlMark, in 2023. She, and her loved ones, were able to enjoy the last couple years soaking up the sun there. She was able to spend most of this past July at Sehlmark, earning herself a lovely tan.

Donna is survived by her children: Ben (Christy), Josh (Zaira), Caitlyn, and Josiah (Jess); her grandchildren: Will, John “Carter”, Campbell, Lilyana, Alexander, Arya, and Rayna; her siblings: Shawn (Cindy), Heather, and Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her mother, Elaine, and her grandmother, Helen.

She always said that her favorite color was glitter, so sparkle and shine during this dark time. She will continue to sprinkle our lives with glitter and love even in her passing. John saved her a seat at the bar, and she’s bringing the laughs. We know she was waiting to see him.

Funeral services will be held at Mullins & Thompson Fredericksburg on Wednesday August 20th visitation at 1pm and service to follow at 2pm. Please come dressed in her favorite colors: pink, purple, and glitter! Looking out into the sea of sparkle will show the impact that Donna had on this world.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Virginia Beach Aquarium, Fredericksburg Police Department employee wellness fund, or your local rescue squad.