Shirley Elizabeth (Rush) Stanley

Shirley Elizabeth (Rush) Stanley, a devout Christian, a dedicated community leader, a loving mother and doting grandmother, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Masonic Village at Sewickley. She was 77.

Born in Coraopolis on June 22, 1942, she was one of two children of the late Charles and Berta Lee (Burton) Rush. Raised in Coraopolis, she was a 1960 graduate of Coraopolis High School.  She completed her education at Point Park College and began her career in government service in Washington, DC in 1962.

In 1977, she returned to the area and made Sewickley her home.  Professionally, she served as a Human Resource Specialist for the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs in the Pittsburgh Federal Office, launching and supporting the careers of many with grace and skill. Away from the office, she was active in numerous church and community service activities including her church usher board, volunteering with the local food pantry, and forming a long and close relationship with the Sewickley Community Center.  Initially serving on the Center’s board of directors and later for many years as President of the Board, her determined and tireless efforts were recognized in her nomination for Pittsburgh’s highest honor for community service – the Jefferson Award.  She was praised for her “spectacular energy level, giving heart, ability to do much with limited resources and smile”.

She was the beloved mother of Jonathan Rush Stanley of Alexandria, VA and Nia Stanley of Sewickley; cherished grandmother of Zoe Stanley, Ian and Eli Herring. She was preceded in death by her brother Homer Rush. She is survived by her sister-in-law Lois Rush, niece Melinda Rush, nephew Michael Rush, numerous cousins, a large loving extended family and many cherished friends.

Visitation Friday 2-4 and 7-9 at Copeland’s Coraopolis, 867 Fifth Ave. Mrs. Stanley will lie in state on Saturday from 10 AM until time of service at 11 AM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, School St., Coraopolis, PA 15108. The family welcomes flowers or a donation in her name to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

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