Dorothy Staby

Dorothy Sheffield Staby, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on July 26, 1932, in Washington, D.C., Dorothy was the cherished daughter of Charles and Eleanor Sheffield. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Don and Bill Sheffield, and her devoted husband, Jack Staby, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.

Dorothy and Jack were married on October 27, 1956, in Arlington, VA, and together they raised three children, John (Carol), Bob (Donna), and Mary Kay Cunningham (Clark), creating a family filled with love and laughter. Dorothy was the proud grandmother of three—Brad (Alyssa), Scott (Casey), and Marina —and the adoring great-grandmother of Lilianna and Luca.

An accomplished educator, Dorothy graduated with honors from James Madison University in 1954 with a BS in Education. She went on to earn her MA from the State University of Iowa in 1955 and pursued postgraduate studies at Columbia University, Brooklyn College, and SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Binghamton. Her dedication to teaching spanned 42 years, beginning in 1955 in Garden City, NY, where she enlightened minds from 1st grade to high school. She was a respected member of the NEA, AAUW, NY Education Association, and the New York State Retired Teachers Association. Dorothy was recognized in Who's Who in American Education, 8th Edition, 2007-2008.

Dorothy was a staunch Democrat and a long-standing member of The United Methodist Church. She had a zest for life that included interests in computers, reading, and sports—particularly her enthusiasm for the Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey team.

Dorothy will be laid to rest with her husband Jack at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an animal rescue charity of your choice in Dorothy's memory.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Brenda Coffield for her extraordinary caregiving, and to Altus Hospice and Arbor House Memory Care for their exceptional care and compassion.

Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and inspiration. Her kindness, warmth, and dedication to her family and students will forever be cherished and remembered by those who were privileged to know her.