Donna Carol Seymour

Donna Carol Seymour passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 80 in Arlington, VA. Born on March 19, 1944, in New York, NY, Donna was a lifelong educator and learner whose passion for teaching and insatiable curiosity enriched the lives of many.

A passionate advocate for education, Donna graduated from Tufts University in Medford, MA, with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She dedicated her professional career to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher. Donna began her teaching journey in Lexington, MA, from 1966 to 1970, and subsequently devoted nearly three decades to Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School in Rockville, MD, where she taught until her retirement in 1997. Her efforts to foster a love of learning extended beyond the classroom as she led an exchange program for international high school students, many of whom have now become lifelong friends. 

Renowned for her intelligence and worldliness, Donna was admired for her curiosity and honesty. Her love for international travel enriched her appreciation of world cultures and cuisines, particularly those with a spicy flair. Summers spent in Central and South America contributed to her enthusiastic pursuit of the Spanish language. Donna's passion for knowledge and experience was perhaps only rivaled by her love for reading and seeking out life's simple pleasures, such as shopping at Aldi or Costco and savoring a perfectly-crafted Egg Cream.

Donna leaves behind a family who cherished her greatly: her sister, Patricia Schneider, and brother-in-law, George Schneider; her loving nephew, Andrew Schneider, with his wife, Shari Kessel Schneider; her adoring niece, Pamela Schneider Fliegelman, and her husband, Larry Fliegelman; as well as her great nieces, Madeline Schneider, Ella Schneider, Alexis Fliegelman, and Julia Fliegelman. Donna's legacy lives on in the hearts of these family members and the countless students and friends she inspired during her lifetime.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring to honor Donna’s memory. The family requests that those wishing to express condolences consider making contributions in her name to St. Jude's or the American Lung Association.

Donna's story is one of education, travel, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. And per her wishes, this obituary has been triple-checked for grammar.