My deepest sympathy on the passing of Debbie.  She was  a wonderful neighbor for many years and a joy to know.

Simply...  
I/We all love big SISTA DEB. 

SHE WAS THE VERY BEST! 

DON'T SEEM TO BE A LOT OF DEB SEWELLS THESE DAYS, DEFINITELY "SHORT SUPPLY." 
TRULY A ONE OF A KIND GEM  AN AUTHENTIC, TRUE SISTER !

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS DEB

SO HAPPY WE GOT TO TALK



Debbie, as most of us called her was a great coach, friend and role model. 
She coached soccer at Washingtonville  High school.  Enjoyed playing for her. Debbie coached my daughters soccer team too. So sorry to hear of her passing. RIP Deborah, you will be missed.

Ms. Sewell was my Middle school gym teacher in the early 90’s. I was going through a lot then and was shy and always picked on. But the one class I always loved going to was her gym class!! Little did she know what a huge positive impact she had on my life. I’m 39 and still think of her often. I wish I could have told her how much she impacted my life.  I hope she now knows that she did. She’s at peace now with God and her family that has passed on to heaven as well. 💕🙏🏽

Cuz’Deb as I affectionately called her
was a wonderful woman. I last communicated with her on Monday, September 7, 2020. One of the things we talked about was my friend who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Cuz’n Deb suggested to me things that I could do to better assist my friend during this season. But, not only that, she offered to talk with her about her journey her experiences so far. This was the day before her passing. She was still offering to do what she does best. Give encouragement and show her faith in the Lord. I will use my spiritual imagination and say that God basically said to her, “well done my good and faithful servant.” Her assignments were all finished. I already miss our talks. Rest well Cousin.

You meant a lot to me miss Sewell.
My mom worked at the highschool at the same time as her for years and she always came home smiling with a great story to tell about her their time together.
I appreciate you being there for my mom. I know she appreciated the time she spent with you.

Ms. Sewell was an amazing person. She was as real and as no nonsense as someone could be. She was also a genuine, caring person who always connected with any and all students. She will be missed.

I am so sorry to have learned of the death of my beloved gym teacher, Ms. Sewell. She was, and I say this will all love and respect, tough. But just the kind of tough I and so many others needed. I was a slacker, especially in Gym class. I also generally hated school. Most of the other teachers ignored me in middle school or went the other route and actually disliked me (because I disliked being there, not saying it was un-deserved). Until that is, I walked into her gym in 7th grade. Mind you I was still the worst student she had, a real project... and boy oh boy was I her special project. The most unathletic child ever born. She was hard on me, but ALWAYS in the most caring way. She followed me around until I wasn't a slacker anymore. She'd find me elsewhere, too. Keep an eye on me in the hallways and we became unlikely friends. As friendly as a teacher and middle schooler can be. We'd talk, and she'd actually listen. She learned I wasn't a bad kid, just poorly adjusted to my new life in a strange town. She stopped me from going down a bad path with kids who were bad influences. She taught me I wasn't a bad kid. I am now a good adult, and that is in small part to her (and her alone in that particular school) choosing to believe that about me. I have nothing but the highest respect toward her for not allowing me to be lazy, and for taking a chance on someone who blended into the crowd too often. Thank you with all my heart for being my conscience when I needed one, for pushing me to be better than I was, and for teaching all of us kids throughout the years. You were so appreciated, even if you did not know. I will continue to live my life the way she expected me to back in 2003 in her memory, forever.

Condolences to Debs family - she was a special person who gave much to the youth of Washingtonville 
Jim Steeves

Sewell will always hold a special place in my heart. She was that "one in a million" coach to myself and so many others. Sewell believed in her players and went above and beyond to develop not only their skills, but their confidence as well. Her legacy will continue on forever. 

Debbie was a teacher and a coach at Washingtonville Central. She was a leader and independent thinker. She has a positive effect on those around her. We were all upset to hear the news. She will be missed by so many.

All I can say is Wow....remember her as my gym teacher she didn't play lol
 Much love to her family
 Gone but never forgotten ❤❤🙏🏽🙏🏽😥😥😥

I had Ms. Sewell (as we called her) for middle school gym. She was a good teacher and an all around good person. Tough. I will miss bumping into her in town and having our little chats. 😢❤️

I met Deb at Hope Chapel. She would attend on  Special Occasions and then when her Mom Pauline took sick she would be her care giver and transportation . Her Presence  and Love was HUGE to Every Member of the Dolson  Family. Her  “ Couching” was always  her BIGGEST attribute! Gone but NEVER forgotten!! Rest High Deb- you  join the other family members up in  Heaven 💕

Ms. Sewell... what can I say! This is truly going to be a loss to the world. Everyone that you touched will never be the same again. I remember when I moved to upstate  ny and you were the first person I was introduced to. You took the time to walk me around and showed me the building. Reassuring me that you too came from a military background and can relate to starting over. AS  my gym teacher you made sure that I was on point and as a human you made sure I was the best I could be. For those little things I'll always be grateful. THANK YOU  BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT!

Ms Sewell was the best, she was my gym teacher for many yrs, she always gave me confidence to just do it!! I seen her all the time and always talked to her she always was funny and one of the realest people I ever met. Such a beautiful woman. I knew her 25 yrs and even after school she gave me great information

You were always there for all my children who passed through the Washingtonville School District. You gave them confidence and showed them they could do anything. I will be forever grateful. Rest In Peace 

Connelly Family

Debbie was an amazing person and teacher. She had a huge heart and was a very caring and loving woman.  She will truly be missed. Rest in Peace Debbie. 


I worked with Debby for many years at the Washingtonville Junior High School.  She was a good person and a great teacher and coach.  She contributed much to the atmosphere of our school in making it a wonderful place for our students to grow and learn in.  She will be missed. Richard Denton


Deb Sewell, just know that you were the BEST.  You were so good to my boys. You actually cared about every child who walked through that school. Every child who crossed your path was better for knowing you.

The Nyarady family. 

Coach Sewell was so tough and hard, but caring and fair. I towered over her, at 6'4 and she always was able to humble me. Her awesomeness impacted my life and I was blessed to see her impact so many others. She definitely left her footprint on this world. Heaven gained an angel. 

Sewell,
Respectfully you were a tuff cookie, but I always enjoyed having you as a teacher. You took no nonsense and stood up for what was right when it came to your students. I recall once being made fun of in gym and you immediately stepped in to stop it and support me. I never did say thank you for that. You made me realize that day I was good just as I was and that was an invaluable lesson to me. Rest In Peace, my condolences to your family and friends. 

Sewell was one of the few teachers that taught me life skills that have stayed with me my whole life. She taught me to stand true and don't let other drag me down. She was tuff and loving. I will always hold her wisdom close to my heart. Thank you Sewell, May you Rest In Peace 

Ms. Sewell was awesome. She told it like it was. She was tough and just what a middle school needs at times. She was a staple at Washingtonville Middle school. She truly was one of the best. 


Rest in gentle and loving peace Sewell. Your we’re inspirational to many young people. I have so many memories of your truck parked by Tomahawk lake, fishing the afternoon away. 

Deb was one of the oldest grands of Margaret and John Dolson Sr.  She helped and taught each and every one of her younger cousins to do the right thing...she had a forgiving heart!  Eventually we called her auntie Em.  I remember she took my Lolo up to New York one year from Baltimore.  I forget how old Lolo was but she got sick in the car on Deb...Deb had so much patience with children. One year she brought my niece  back from NY and was wondering when her mom was going to come get her...we had so much trust in Deb.  Deb made you laugh all the time!  I truly loved my cousin!!!!  Deb was truly a family person!!

Much love and prayers to a wonderful person who touched so many lives in a positive way. Peace. 

Ben Lohrke 
         Mrs Swell was a very good gym teacher by the way I asked her if she knew Kate Lohrke from the high school and she told me that yes she did by the way. She always helped me out if I didn’t know what class I need to go to in the next semester in middle school. And i always remember she told me to play defense all the time in middle school by the way and I did in basketball by the way. She was also a good friend to me by the way.

Debbie was an icon in the Washingtonville School District as a PE teacher and basketball coach! She had a great eye for talent and as a track coach, she would send me many kids who she saw in her classes! She will be sadly missed!❤️

Rest In Peace Deb, remembering the great days shared at the Washingtonville Summer Rec.  You were always there for us.

My sincere condolences to all.

Kevin

The loss of Debby Sewell is a great one. I had the privilege of working with “Sewell” for over 25 years in Washingtonville Middle School. During that time, she quietly took care of many of our students-she supported them in any way that was needed-emotionally, financially & time spent after school,  both as a coach and community member. She was “old school” in that she was direct , honest and wanted no focus for all the good she did. 
May she rest now -her work here done.
She will be missed💕

I had the privilege of working with”Sewell” and to call her a friend. She gave 100% to any child who came into her life, teaching, coaching, etc. Rest In Peace Debbie! You fought a long battle! ❤️
Pictured 2019:Debbie didn’t like the way the coaching was going, so in “Sewell” fashion, she stepped in. My granddaughter is the Goalie❤️

Coach Sewell...you had a major impact on me during my crucial years as an athlete and a student!  Then as a parent you cheered on my kids at the WSC fields!  You have impacted so many people and will truly be missed!

Deb you touched all of our hearts. A Life well lived,  Great job cuz.  Thank you Thank you Thank you.  I wish your Soul everlasting love and glory💜

Sewell was my gym teacher and I was a Thorne in her side  :) but I had much respect for her,  she was tough but fair and alway had a smart and sarcastic comeback, Through the years I’ve only seen her in passing but she was always quick to say hello my condolences to her family may she rest in peace ❤️

My thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with the family. May she RIP.

I worked with Debbie for many years in WMS.  She was awesome with our Aspire Special Ed kids.  They all loved her.  There was no one as special as her and the way she treated our kids..... RIP Debbie. 

Sewell was one of my favorite teachers.  She encouraged me and always believed in me during the hardest growing up years.  She made me feel important and she always knew what was going on- she wasn’t fooled and didn’t put up with rudeness/bullying.  You were always safe in her gym.  She was an exceptional master teacher with a kind soul.  Condolences to her family and loved ones!

Coach Sewell - DEFINITELY a Coach to remember ... loved coming in every morning & seeing her standing by the gym doors.. always a smile & addressed everyone that came by her & even called you out when you were trying to “avoid” her. She was one of the instrumental coaches that didn’t let you “slide” or “get away” with anything. Thank you for setting the bar.. appreciate all your hard work & I’m sure we weren’t easy to control. 
You will be missed! 

Debbie’s spirit and courage were revealed early in life, as we played basketball together as high schoolers. She went on to help raise thousands of Washingtonville kids who gained resilience and courage from her steadfast teaching. We are fortunate to have known her. 

My sincere condolences to your entire family. Coach Sewell was my basketball coach for many years - she was an incredible coach and inspiration to many. I will always hold a very special place for her - I owe my love for the game to her and will always appreciate her tough love, support and encouragement. 

I will forever be thankful for the compassion, support and humor that Sewell shared with me.  The world was a better place because she was in it. ❤️

Sorry for the loss her kind greetings after mass will be missed.  We kept each others cancer status updates regular  giving positive blessings ! The lord has her now for sure!

Ms. Sewell was my sixth grade PE teacher.  I don’t remember most of my teachers but I will always remember her. She taught me that while I may not be the best athlete, I could be the kindest athlete. She saw limitless potential in everyone and she will be deeply missed.

To “Bubby” are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Debbie was a fearless soul, even as a child. She had that intangible thing that few people have, the power to inspire, the insight to see potential, and the moxie to get in your face to make you strive to be better. Her spirit and courage was contagious, if you were around her long enough you'd start to feel emboldened. I know, I made some serious life choices based on being influenced by my cousin and they were the best decisions of my life. I'm not saying that things didn't get a little dicey (LOL), but if she was with you, it always worked out. I'm so thankful that she was in my life and part of our family. She made an impact, she touched a lot of lives and made a difference in this world. She will be missed and always remembered. 

Wow, Deb. I really don’t have the words but I’ll do what I can. To my family, the Dolsons (I’m a great-granddaughter of Margaret Dolson and the granddaughter of Marjorie Dolson Orme) I am grieving with you. Debbie was a true treasure in my life and my brothers’ lives. She was always smiling and had encouraging words— all the time. I will miss our calls and texts as we checked up on each other mostly over the past couple of years. Peace and many blessings upon you, family, and much love to you.

OBITUARY

Deborah Sewell

May 30, 1950 – September 8, 2020

David T. Ferguson Funeral Home

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