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Life story

" Heaven has gained a beautiful angel Velma Diane Almarode McDonnell; she may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Velma Diane, 71 passed away peacefully in her home on June 6th, 2026, surrounded by her family. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved father Carl Almarode. She is survived by her mother Anne Alamarode Helms, her brothers Bruce Almarode, Larry Almarode, birth mother Shirley Sears and sister Sherrie Shaw Kipps. Her husband Kevin McDonnell, her children, Robert Everton and wife Holly Everton, Jennifer Sudduth and Michael Sudduth; her grandchildren, Timothy Everton, Jackson Everton, Koorosh Sudduth, Laila Sudduth, Declan Tait extended family members, and close friends. 

Velma Diane touched countless lives as a friend, wife, mother, daughter, sister and woman of faith. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, encouraged, and welcome. Her warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 11:00am – 12:00pm at Wilderness Community Church, Spotsylvania, Virginia following the memorial there will be a Celebration of Life at one of Diane’s favorite places Lake Anna State Park. We invite family, friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her to join us in celebrating the long, full, and special life of Velma Diane.  
 
Memorial Service: 
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 
11:00AM-12:00PM 
 
Wilderness Community Church 
10501 Plank Road  
Spotsylvania, VA 22553 "