New Wilmington, Pa. - Mary Datish Sankey, 83, of New Wilmington, formerly of Neshannock Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at UPMC Jameson Hospital, New Castle, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Sankey was born on Feb. 18, 1942, in Warren, Ohio, 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 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, Ohio, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and North Olmstead, Ohio, and retiring from Lincoln High School, Ellwood City.

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, Mass.; a son, Joshua Sankey and his wife, Katy, of Hopatcong, N.J.; a step-grandson, Samuel Richards; two brothers, George Datish, of Cortland, Ohio, and Robert Datish and his wife, Doreen, of Austintown, Ohio; 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 Drive, Hermitage, PA 16148.

SANKEY

Mary Datish, 83, New Wilmington.

Calling hours: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday (6-17-25) in Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 950 Maple Drive, Hermitage.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Tuesday in the church, with 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 E. State St., Sharon.