Carrie Ellen Donnelly

carrie donnelly

October 30, 1946 ~ November 15, 2025

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Carrie Ellen Donnelly, 79, of Herndon, Va, passed away on November 15.

Carrie was born on October 30, 1946 to Robert and Ruby Tuohy in St Louis, Mo. After graduating from Thomas A Edison High school in 1964 in Fairfax County Virginia, Carrie went on to study at the prestigious Washington School for Secretaries.

After graduation, Carrie started her career as a legal secretary eventually becoming administrative manager of one of the top law firms in Fairfax Co, Virginia. Ready for a change, Carrie moved into the telecommunications business first in sales and then as Director of Training for a major international firm.  She finished her career as a program manager for government technology companies.

Carrie married her high school sweetheart, David Donnelly Sr who was a career U.S. Marine and they enjoyed a wonderful marriage until his death in 1998.  Carrie is survived by her son David Donnelly, Jr of Herndon, Va, brother Bob & (Sherri) Tuohy of Sunset Beach, NC, sister Teresa & (Jim) Mumby of Greenwich NY, Greg & (Debbie) Tuohy of Olmstead Twnsp OH, Bill & (Theresa) Tuohy of Fairfax VA.  Carrie had 3 grandchildren Chelsea & (Derek), David III & (Jenna),  Ryan & (Shauna) and 5 great grandchildren Claire, Brayden, Alexis, DJ, and Arianna.  Last but not least her faithful K9 companion Linus who enjoyed being by her side 24/7.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Friday November 21st at St John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston Va.   There will be visitation  from 9 to 11am in the chapel.  Reception to follow at Frying Pan Farm Park visitors center.

Carrie’s Funeral Mass will be livestreamed, and can be viewed by following this link: https://shorturl.at/HIuf4

 

Services

Visitation: November 21, 2025 9:00 am - 11:00 am

St. John Neumann Catholic Church
11900 Lawyers Road
Reston, VA 20191
703-860-8510

Add to My Calendar 2025-11-21 09:00:00 2025-11-21 11:00:00 CarrieEllenDonnellyVisitation Visitation 11900 Lawyers Road,Reston, VA 20191

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Mass of Christian Burial : November 21, 2025 11:00 am

St. John Neumann Catholic Church
11900 Lawyers Road
Reston, VA 20191
703-860-8510

Add to My Calendar 2025-11-21 11:00:00 2025-11-21 11:00:00 CarrieEllenDonnellyMass of Christian Burial Mass of Christian Burial 11900 Lawyers Road,Reston, VA 20191

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Graveside Service:

Arlington National Cemetery at a later date
1 Memorial Drive
Arlington , VA 22211
703-938-7440

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  2. We’ll miss Carrie’s fast smile and infectious humor. God bless to Carrie’s family, friends, and of course Linus her faithful puppy.

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  3. I consider myself so fortunate to have known Carrie for over 30 years. She was so full of love for her family and friends, and she made me (and everyone) feel better just being around her! Her wonderful laugh and positivity was contagious. Carrie loved to have fun and I’m so grateful that we got to do fun things together for many years! From Build-a-Bear Adventures on one of her milestone birthdays, to fabulous celebratory lunches and dinners, to skits at baby showers, to surprise birthday parties, to holiday parties at her home, she made me and everyone in her presence feel loved. Carrie will be missed!

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  4. So blessed to have had an opportunity to meet Carrie through her loving son and family. Her infectious smile and bundle of energy will be missed but never forgotten. Blessings and healing prayers to all.

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  5. Carrie my sweet friend, you will be missed so very much. Always smiling and positive. I loved our crafts night with Sheila. I hope your heaven is as beautiful as you are. Love

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  6. To know Carrie it’s a gift, she’s the nicest friend inside and out anyone could have, that positivity she had was contagious it made your day better just to be around her. Love you, will miss you so much.

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  7. To know Carrie you had to be ready to smile❣️She was always upbeat, positive and ready to have fun and because of these natural attributes her earthly presence will always be missed but with a smile😊

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  8. Jay and I are devastated to hear of Carrie’s passing… I knew that all was right in the world when I saw Carrie outside walking with Linus accompanied by her great neighborhood friends including Karen and Marci. We wish Dave and all of her family and friends the peace that only God can give us when we miss someone so deeply. You all will remain in our prayers. God bless you and may she rest in the Lord’s abundant peace.

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