Dorothy Ellen Jefferis Younkins
November 24, 2016

YOUNKINS, DOROTHY ELLEN JEFFERIS:  On Thursday, November 24, 2016; Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James and her son, Mark.  She was born and raised in Reading, PA, where she grew up with her brothers, Bob and Paul Jefferis, now deceased.  She enjoyed frequent railroad trips to Philadelphia.  (Her father worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad.)  Dorothy graduated from Kutztown State Teacher's College.  She met Jim; they married and moved to Pittsburgh to raise a family of five children.  From 1963 to 1965 the family traveled to Calcutta, India. In 1966, they moved to Squirrel Hill where they remained for the rest of her days.  Dorothy loved her backyard, where she entertained friends and family, and friends that became family and where lots of dogs, cats, and squirrels romped.  Dorothy served on the Colfax School PTA for years.  She was a substitute teacher in the Pittsburgh city schools, most frequently Schenley and CAPA, where she liked to say that she taught the art of conversation and was known as the "singing substitute."  Dorothy outlived most of her dearest friends.  She attended the symphony, the International Poetry Forum, and studied children's literature.  She encouraged everybody to get outdoors or read a book.  She was Judge of Elections for her 14th Ward district for over 30 years.  She is survived by her children, Eric (Hope), Kirk, Andrea, and Jeff, numerous grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren (one having been born just last week).  A memorial service will be held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 2 PM.  Visitation one hour prior to services (1 - 2 PM). Interment PRIVATE.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.  www.schugar.com

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