Sandra Joan Neilson

September 26, 1944 - April 24, 2025 Sandra J. Neilson, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at the age of 80 surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her infant son, Jon R. Donnelly, Jr, her grandmother Mary E. Gerrie, her father, Clarence Wunderlich, and her mother, Marjorie Wunderlich. She is survived by her husband Michael F. Neilson of Richmond, her daughter Juli M. Dance and husband David Dance of Chester, son John R. Donnelly and husband Ted Magilley of Charlottesville, stepdaughter Crystal Neilson-Hall and husband Kevin Neilson-Hall of Goochland, stepson Christopher Neilson and wife Clairee Neilson of Midlothian, grandson Joshua R. Dance and fiancé Heather Borchardt of Chester, step grandchildren Breckin Neilson-Hall and Bryce Neilson-Hall of Goochland, and step grandchildren Christian Neilson and Lauren Neilson of Midlothian. Sandra was born in Los Angeles, California but moved to Alexandria, Virginia as a young child. Her childhood summers were spent back in Los Angeles with her beloved grandmother. She graduated as the salutatorian of her class at St. Mary's Academy in Alexandria. She then attended West Virginia's Wheeling College (Wheeling Jesuit University and now Wheeling University) where she met and married Jon R. Donnelly who passed away in 2015. They had three children, their son Jon R. Donnelly, Jr. who died in infancy, their daughter Juli, and their son John. Sandra was most fulfilled professionally in jobs where she was able to help others. She taught elementary and secondary mathematics at St. Paul's School in Richmond. She worked as a clerk-typist in the Division of Medical Oncology at the Medical College of Virginia, as a medical secretary for several physician's practices, and as business office manager at Virginia Ear Nose and Throat until her final retirement in 2005. Sandra met Michael Neilson in 1989 while they were both volunteer cardiac technicians for Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad. Their first date was December 28, 1990, where they cooked steaks on the grill at Sandra's home. They married on September 19, 1992. Their relationship was a true partnership marked by love and respect for each other, devotion to their Yorkie dogs, and enjoyment of international travel. They especially enjoyed visiting the Sandals Resorts located throughout the Caribbean. Raising her children prevented Sandra from graduating from Wheeling College, but due to her support and dedication to the College, she was awarded a Bachelor of Humane Letters in May 2008, one of her proudest accomplishments. She maintained strong friendships with her college classmates, regularly meeting for reunions and enjoying many travel adventures until she was no longer able to travel. She had a dedicated group of friends consisting of work colleagues and former neighbors who regularly met for lunches and the card game bunco. Sandra was always the smartest person in the room according to her friends and family. We will especially miss her pot roast, holiday meals, and how proud she was of each of us. She was our rock, and her passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts. The family would like to thank the staff of Memory Care at the Barclay at Charlottesville for their exceptional care and support during her five-year battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. There will be a celebration of Sandra's life on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Richmond, time and location to be determined. Please save the date with details to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Legacy Hospice, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or the Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.