SARAH SMITH SHEFFEY

Sarah Cook Smith Sheffey, age 97, of Lancaster, PA, and formerly of Towanda, PA, died August 7, 2011 at The Glen at Willow Valley. Born in Connellsville, PA on December 22, 1913, Sally was the daughter of the late Bela Buck and Sallie Cook Smith. She was the wife of the late Edwin Garman Sheffey, who died in 1986. A lifelong learner, Sally was a 1931 graduate of Connellsville High School, and a 1935 graduate of Swarthmore College. With a heart for youth, she taught English and Latin at Towanda Valley High School, operated a preschool in her home, and also served as a Probation Officer for Women and Juveniles in Bradford County. A loyal member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sally was a descendant of Col. Edward Cook, a 1775 delegate to the Provincial Conference, as well as a Westmoreland County delegate at the 1776 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Known for her keen intellect, quick wit, and many kindnesses, Sally served as a Trustee of Towanda Public Library, volunteered at Towanda Community Hospital, initiated Meals on Wheels in Towanda, founded the area’s first Alzheimer’s support group, and served as a Deacon, Elder and Trustee of First Presbyterian Church. After moving to Lancaster in 1987, Sally was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, PA. Survivors include her daughters, Susan S. Gatliff , wife of William, of Byron, GA, and Rebecca S. Bumsted, wife of Joseph, of Willow Street, PA; three grandchildren, Edwin Jay Gatliff , husband of Debbie, of Byron, GA, William Gregory Gatliff of Byron, GA, and Sarah Allison Gatliff of Warner Robins, GA; three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, and siblings, Violette S. Hickerson, Joseph H. Smith, Mabel S. Kinne, predeceased her. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to staff at The Glen at Willow Valley for their years of outstanding care and unfaltering devotion to Sally. A Memorial Service will be scheduled in Towanda, PA at a future date. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Towanda, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 140 East Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602; Mathias J. Brunner Nursing Education Fund, 211 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA 17602; or Towanda Public Library, 104 Main St., Towanda, PA 18848.