Edythe Mary Schirra

          Edythe Mary Dodson Schirra, age of 98, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. 

Edyie was married to the love of her life, William Schirra, for 59 years until his death in 2007.

Born in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Leo and Stella Dodson, Edyie graduated from St. Lawrence O’Toole High School in Pittsburgh then attended Grailville Center for Leadership in Ohio, married, and co-raised her eight children with her husband. After the children were in school, Edyie attended Slippery Rock University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education.  She taught for the Intermediate Unit IV and Butler School District for 25 years. During that time, she attended the University of Northern Colorado for summer Master Classes to further her knowledge of the latest educational techniques.  Edyie was a teacher and Educational Diagnostician teaching children with learning difficulties for most of her career.  She was an exceptional teacher and treasured her years of teaching.

Edyie had a full life.  She was a wonderful mother, homemaker, and educator who volunteered for numerous organizations such as Girl Scouts, League of Women Voters, Women’s Job Corp, and St. Vincent DePaul Society. Edyie was one of the founding members of the local Natural Foods Organization and the Butler Human Relations Association.  She was also a member of the Butler Education Association.

Edyie also taught GED students and provided free tutoring to children with special needs. She enjoyed going to the seashore, traveling with her husband, reading, and spending time with her family.

Edyie was a devoted Catholic her entire life. She belonged to St. Conrad’s Roman Catholic Church where she was a Religious Education teacher for 25 years then Director of Religious Education for many years. She was a member of the Christian Family Movement and Christian Mothers.  Edyie was a member of the Seven Sisters Apostolate praying for the pastor of All Saints Parish.  At age 92, she became a Benedictine Oblate.

Edyie’s kindness, ability to see the good in all, love of her Catholic faith, and her energy were her hallmarks.  She was happiest when surrounded by her loving family or attending a church function.

Edyie was predeceased by her parents, 5 brothers and 5 sisters, her daughter-in-law Lois Schirra and infant great granddaughter Gwen Schirra.  She is survived by her children, William Jr. (Patricia), Michael (Lola), Anne Baker (Jim), Mary jo Radock (Rich), Daniel (Christine), Vincent, Martin (Debra), John (Laurie), 19 grandchildren:  Kimberly Lombella, Nadine Cannon, Andrea Aquiles, Aaron and Megan Baker, Damian and Ariel Radock, Jolene and Wesley Schirra, Nathan Schirra and Rachel Tonkin, Sara Morgain, Malcom and Michah Schirra, Jacob, Alexander, Ian and Samuel Schirra and Tracey Marin,  26 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham St. Butler, PA from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Conrad Roman Catholic Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler, PA 16001.  Interment will follow at St. Mary of the Assumption Cemetery in Herman.

Memorials are suggested to be made to St. Vincent De Paul Society in Butler.

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