Obituary of Sheila Fernschild Dorsey

Sheila Fernschild Dorsey, age 94, died peacefully on July 14, at her home in Rye, New York. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Joseph F. Dorsey. Her large and loving family includes her daughters Sharon D. Wagoner (Eric), Daryl D. Coleman (David, deceased) and Fern L. Dorsey (Richard Cuneo). Her grandchildren are Erin Ahrens (Matthew), Dustin Smith (deceased), Alexis Wagoner, David Coleman, Joseph Coleman (Mina), Colleen Coleman, Cali Cuneo, Bae Cuneo, and Cooper Cuneo. Her great grandchildren are Brooke Ahrens, Noah Ahrens, Bennett Ahrens, Sofia Coleman, Joseph Coleman, Boris Coleman and Ashley Thornton.

Born in New York City in 1928 to William Henry Fernschild Jr. and Harriet Phelan Fernschild, and sister to William Henry Fernschild III, Sheila was raised in Larchmont, NY, where she attended Murray Avenue School, Mamaroneck High School, and then attended Bethany College in West Virginia, where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority.  In 1949, she married Joe Dorsey and they settled first in Massapequa, NY, and then in Larchmont, where she began her active life as a mother of three and volunteer for many.

Some of her greatest pleasures beyond time with family included playing bridge (where few could rival her), sailing, playing tennis, and traveling, a passion that took her and her family to all the corners of the globe. She was also a great animal lover and had many pets in her lifetime. She was on the Altar Guild at St John’s Episcopal Church in Larchmont, served on many Parent Teacher Associations, was a member of the Beech Twig for the United Hospital in Port Chester, and supported many other organizations. She was also an active member of the Westchester Country Club, Horseshoe Harbor Club, Larchmont Yacht Club, and Larchmont Shore Club.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 25, from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM at John J. Fox Funeral Home, Inc. 2080 Boston Post Road Larchmont, NY 10538. Funeral Service are on Tuesday, July 26, at 10:30 AM at St. John's Episcopal Church 4 W Fountain Square Larchmont, NY 10538.