With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donna Marie Carmical, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, who left this world peacefully on July 18, 2023.

Born in Cheverly, MD, on August 16, 1949, Donna was the eldest child of Richard and Rosemary Carroll. She had nine younger siblings, and she truly embraced her role as the big sister for the duration of her life.  After attending East Carolina University, she married the love of her life, Larry Carmical. Together they spent the next two decades, raising four children while traveling the world and creating cherished memories that spanned continents. Their journey was filled with adventures and accomplishments that shaped the remarkable life that she led.

With unwavering ambition and a strong work ethic, Donna embraced every challenge that came her way. She was a woman of many skills, and at one point, she even found herself painting military tanks; a testament to her willingness to do whatever it took to succeed. Ultimately, she found her “work home” with the US Government, where she started as a Budget Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For the next 25 years, her tenacity and commitment paved the way for her to earn the esteemed position of Chief Financial Officer for the USDA Forest Department, a role she fulfilled with integrity and excellence.

After her grandson's battle with cancer, Donna discovered a profound sense of purpose in dedicating herself to the cause that touched her so deeply.  Immersing herself in the world of childhood cancer, she became a passionate advocate for change. Her commitment extended beyond just eradicating childhood cancer; she sought to enhance the lives of children fighting this relentless disease.  Co-founding Journey 4 A Cure alongside her family, Donna made it her mission to raise funds for childhood cancer research and provide iPads to children undergoing treatment. From tireless lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill to heartfelt coordination of iPad care packages, Donna poured her heart and soul into this cause. Her legacy of compassion and selflessness will continue to serve as an inspiration, motivating others to follow in her footsteps and create a profound, lasting impact on the lives of children facing cancer.

Beyond her professional achievements, Donna was a beacon of strength and love for her family. As a devoted wife, caring mother, and doting grandmother, she showered her loved ones with affection and support, creating a nurturing environment where they could flourish. But it was her role as a grandmother that brought Donna a special kind of joy. To her cherished grandchildren she was “nana” (aka the G.O.A.T), the loving presence who never missed an opportunity to be by their side, whether it was a sporting event, a play, or “chaperoning” a rowdy post-prom party. She loved the holidays and fully embraced them as a time to bring family together.  Christmas was a special time for her, a season she filled with the magic of baking, joyous music, and an (over) abundance of gifts that filled the room with giddy excitement (which earned her the seasonal title of “Nana Claus”).  In her own words, "I love the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It is wonderful to see your family sharing a good meal, expressing their love and thanks for the gifts of our lives."

Donna's warm-hearted nature enriched the lives of family and friends, and she was a shining example of compassion and love. She possessed a unique gift of empathy, always seeking to understand the struggles of others beyond what met the eye. Her profound life lessons taught us the importance of not assuming we truly know the depths of another's journey, urging us to approach each person with kindness and an open heart.  

Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving husband Larry Carmical, daughter Beth (Sam) Collingwood of Gainesville VA, son Stan (Jill) Carmical of Ashburn, VA, son Danny (Cathie) Carmical of Seattle, WA, and daughter Jennifer (Mike) Durniak of Gainesville, VA. She is survived by 14 grandchildren Kaylob, Sammy, Will, Lucas, Devan, Cailyn, Hunter, Kane, Drew, Brady, Molly, Cole, Liam and Eloise.

Donna was preceded in death by her father Richard Earl Carroll Sr., her mother, Rosemary Kane Carroll, her sister, Terri Poland, her brother James Carroll and her grandson, Declan Carmical. She is survived by 7 siblings, Rosemary (Leon) Debes of Boonsboro, MD, Debra Rowe of Tallahassee FL, Kathleen (Matt) Linus of Boca Raton FL, Richard (Michele) Carroll of Rocky Mount NC, Thomas Carroll of Ft Washington MD, Leighann (Brent) Wester of Spring Hope NC, and Jonathan (Joan) Carroll of Emmittsburg, MD and many, nieces and nephews.

The celebration of Donna's life will take place on August 3, 2023, commencing with Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Following the service, a burial will be held at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA.

As we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, let us also celebrate the life she lived and the indelible impact she had on those around her. Donna Marie Carmical's journey may have come to an end, but her legacy of hard work, compassion and love will continue to inspire generations to come. May we honor her life by living authentically and cherishing the moments we share with loved ones.  

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