Mary Datish Sankey 1942-2025

Mrs. Sankey was born Feb. 18, 1942, in Warren, a daughter of the late John Joseph Datish Sr. and Minerva Tanase Datish.

She was a 1959 graduate of the former Lordstown High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1963 from Kent State University. In 1967, Mary received her master’s degree in education from The Ohio State University. Throughout her life, she remained involved in the Kent State and Ohio State Alumni Associations.

Mary spent her career working as a chemistry, biology and science teacher at Lordstown, Reynoldsburg, North Olmsted, and retiring from Lincoln High School, Ellwood City, Pa.

Mary was an active member of Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Hermitage. She organized many church activities including leading the pumpkin roll committee, and was involved in ARFORA and the Orthodox Brotherhood.

An avid reader, she was a member of the New Castle Friends of the Library. In recent years, Mary lived in Shenango on the Green Independent Living, where she enjoyed their activities and was always planning events for her and her neighbors.

Throughout her life, Mary had an extraordinary gift for nurturing deep, lasting relationships with those around her. Many will remember Mary for her infectious smile, her energetic personality, and her sense of adventure. She cherished time spent with her family and friends, many of whom were lifelong companions, and she kept in touch with loved ones through heartfelt correspondence. Mary loved to travel, enjoyed visiting casinos and was always the center of attention on the dance floor.

Her loving husband, Raymond L. Sankey, whom she married on July 10, 1971, passed away on Dec. 24, 2019.

She is survived by a daughter, Lydia Richards and her husband, Donald of Cambridge, Massachusetts; a son, Joshua Sankey and his wife, Katy of Hopatcong, New Jersey; a stepgrandson, Samuel Richards; two brothers, George Datish of Cortland and Robert Datish and his wife, Doreen, of Austintown; and many dear nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Datish; and a brother, John Datish Jr.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 950 Maple Dr., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Hermitage.

Funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday, in the church, with the Rev. Spyridon Ickes, pastor, officiating.

Interment: St. John’s Orthodox Cemetery, Hermitage.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Arrangements entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

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