Dorothy Ann Schiff

Dorothy Ann Schiff passed away peacefully late in the evening of Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the home of her loving daughter and son-in-law. She was born on February 16, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late John and Pauline Wenger. Dorothy lived a long life that was passionately dedicated to her career, her marriage of almost sixty years to the love of her life, the late Dr. Edward J. Schiff, and to her motherhood; all with bountiful caring, compassion, kindness and connection. She was the ultimate woman, always a pillar of strength and love in everything she did and encountered.

Dorothy was a proud registered nurse who devoted many years to her profession, first at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, and later, after raising her three children, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. As a young mother she was an extraordinary girl scout leader and influential member of the PTA. She went on to become a business owner with her “FabricCorner” shop, where she imported glorious fabrics from all over the world and taught women how to use patterns, sew and create wonderful garments. Her own creativity and talent as a seamstress were masterful. After that she made a lasting impact directing the unique “Sales to Success” program at the Jewish Vocational Service, which trained people who had lost their prominent jobs how to successfully interview and build skills necessary to find meaningful employment.

Dorothy had an everlasting love for nature and being outdoors as much as possible in all seasons. She and husband Edward nurtured their growing children with fabulous summer adventures by trailering, camping, hiking and backpacking throughout the U.S. and Canada. She treasured time spent, both summer and winter, at the vacation home her family built in Wyoming, where she loved hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and, most of all, being with family and entertaining friends. She enjoyed tennis, especially playing doubles with Edward and their friends. She and Edward cherished the daily ritual of walking their precious dogs around the neighborhood. She also loved gardening, yardwork and tending to her collection of prized potted plants. She had a deep appreciation of music and the arts, highlighted by attending The Cleveland Orchestra “Thursday Evening Series” with Edward for fifty years in the same Dress Circle seats.

Dorothy loved life and eagerly lived it to the fullest. She was truly “one in a million,” as a registered nurse, wife, mother, businesswoman and friend during her 99 ½ years of life, with a heart of gold and the feisty spirit of an elegant, gentle warrior.

Dorothy is survived by her beloved daughter and profoundly devoted caregiver, Lisa Schiff Dubinsky (Frederick), her sons, Marc E. Schiff and Eric J. Schiff, and her nieces, nephews and friends, who will continue to celebrate her legacy. She was preceded in death by her parents, her adoring husband, her brothers, John and Paul Wenger, and her dear sister, Irene Key.

A celebration of life in honor of Dorothy will be scheduled on a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.