Shirley Z. Dutchak
July 1, 1926 ~ July 17, 2014
Shirley Iris Dutchak
(Age 88)
On Thursday, July 17, in Vienna, VA.
Devoted wife of 48 years to the late Lt. Col. Eugene Dutchak,; survived by her loving daughter and son, Barbara and Michael, his wife Cathy, and her adored grandchildren Sarah, Alex and Adam.
Born in Rittman, OH, her life spanned the globe. She traveled to Cuba as a cub reporter with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and to Germany for her wedding to Gene, a fellow University of Georgia journalism school graduate. Gene's U.S. Army career took them to Thailand for two years, to states from Kentucky to Texas, and they traveled recreationally throughout the U.S., Europe and Great Britain. After their family settled in Vienna in 1964, Shirley worked as a middle school educator in Arlington, in publications for an education association in Reston, and on the U.S. News & World Report proof desk. She was active in the Church of the Holy Comforter (Episcopal) and her Stonewall Manor community for 50 years. In retirement, Shirley enthusiastically continued traveling with her husband, children and grandchildren; enjoyed tending her extensive and beautiful gardens; served in various positions with the Pennywise church thrift shop; and maintained her many family and social activities with a loving, principled, and feisty spirit. She will be deeply missed and her memory greatly cherished.
Family and friends are invited to Shirley's Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Wednesday, July 23 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Shirley's life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 24 at 3pm at the Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road NE, Vienna. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Comforter's Memorial Fund (above address).
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
(Age 88)
On Thursday, July 17, in Vienna, VA.
Devoted wife of 48 years to the late Lt. Col. Eugene Dutchak,; survived by her loving daughter and son, Barbara and Michael, his wife Cathy, and her adored grandchildren Sarah, Alex and Adam.
Born in Rittman, OH, her life spanned the globe. She traveled to Cuba as a cub reporter with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and to Germany for her wedding to Gene, a fellow University of Georgia journalism school graduate. Gene's U.S. Army career took them to Thailand for two years, to states from Kentucky to Texas, and they traveled recreationally throughout the U.S., Europe and Great Britain. After their family settled in Vienna in 1964, Shirley worked as a middle school educator in Arlington, in publications for an education association in Reston, and on the U.S. News & World Report proof desk. She was active in the Church of the Holy Comforter (Episcopal) and her Stonewall Manor community for 50 years. In retirement, Shirley enthusiastically continued traveling with her husband, children and grandchildren; enjoyed tending her extensive and beautiful gardens; served in various positions with the Pennywise church thrift shop; and maintained her many family and social activities with a loving, principled, and feisty spirit. She will be deeply missed and her memory greatly cherished.
Family and friends are invited to Shirley's Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Wednesday, July 23 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Shirley's life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 24 at 3pm at the Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road NE, Vienna. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Comforter's Memorial Fund (above address).
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Dear Barbara, Michael & Family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Shirley was a wonderful neighbor and friend to my family for over 30 years. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Lois, Kelley and Sean
Our prayers and warm thoughts are with Shirley’s family. We are family of Jenny and Wil across the street and visited Shirley (and Barbara) during our visits from Kentucky over the last year. Shirley was a wonderful person and we will miss her dearly.
Shirley Dutchak was a very good neighbor and a wonderful friend. Our families enjoyed more than 50 years of positive relationships as close neighbors in Vienna. Those years produced much happiness as well as some shared times of sadness. Throughout her life, Shirley’s central values provided a focus on Faith, Family and Friends. I also consider these to be central to the meaning and purpose of our lives and I believe they can have a very positive impact on us and on the persons around us. Shirley touched the lives of many persons by living out her Faith and by giving priority attention to her Family and loyal support to her Friends. Shirley made a real difference in her Life Journey and we feel blessed that she was part of our lives. We will never forget her. We wish Shirley Peace and Eternal Rest. Love, Fred Heinzelmann and Family.
Barb I am hoping that the wonderful memories you have of your mother will comfort you. And that in the near future those memories, whether it be her gardening or your holiday stories or dozens of other things you talked about, will bring a smile and sustain you. Nothing can ever take those days away. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My condolences to the family. I worked with Shirley for 10 years at U.S. News & World Report. She always had useful input on what we were doing and was engaging and thoughtful. She brightened up the room.
Barb, I am so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed hearing the stories of your Mom’s escapades. Let her love, light and joy continue to fill your heart. May God provide strength for you and your family.
To Shirley’s Family: I got to know Shirley through her volunteering at the Holy Comforter Thrift Store. We often spoke about travel. She was a real joy to talk with. Always sweet and smiling. I will miss her. May God bless and keep her in His care.
Barb, It always brought a smile to my face when you spoke of your mother over the years. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Shirley’s colleagues at USNews & World Report all respect her for her gracious and caring presence. I appreciate her sincere interest and concern and her friendship. She was the finest of us and will be missed.