Sarah Sheridan

Sarah (Dempsey) Sheridan, 89, of Scott Township, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her beloved husband, Michael Sheridan, preceded her in death in 2012.

Born in Olyphant, she was the daughter of the late James Bernard “Dewey” Dempsey and Gertrude (Reeves) Dempsey. She was a parishioner of St. John Vianney Parish at Corpus Christi Church, Montdale. Sarah was a 1954 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Olyphant and continued her education at Lackawanna Junior College Business School.

Sarah’s early career involved Secretarial skills and bookkeeping, steering towards retail as the years went on. She was employed at Guild Studio, Household Finance, Nudelman’s Store in Olyphant, and Burlington Coat Factory. She took particular pride in her work at Nudelman’s where she became a valued and helpful saleswoman in the men’s clothing department. She carried these skills with her to Burlington Coat Factory, where she worked for 20 years before retiring. Many satisfied customers enjoyed her helpful assistance.

A woman of warmth and generosity, Sarah found her greatest joy in her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and babysitter who took great pride in the lives of those she loved. While raising her children, she was the original “Uber driver,” making sure her daughters and their friends got to every activity, practice, and event. In her later years, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren became a particular source of happiness, and she cherished attending family sporting events, dance recitals, and the many other activities that filled their lives.

An excellent cook and baker, Sarah delighted in preparing food for her family and friends. Her coffee cake, apple pie, lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and turkey dinners were among the favorites she loved to share. She also enjoyed reading, sewing and mending, and collecting and swapping recipes. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, and her willingness to help others remained a defining part of her character.

Sarah was a brownie leader for the Justus Area and a member of the Corpus Christi Renewal Group. She and her husband, Mike, also enjoyed square dancing with the Abington Alamanders.

Sarah will be remembered for her generous spirit, helpful nature, and the simple joy she brought to everyday life. She was the last remaining parent of the generation of parents that built the original homes on the rest of that hill on Layton Road. It was a happy and thriving neighborhood. She leaves behind a legacy of love, hospitality, and treasured memories that will remain with her family, friends, and neighbors.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Stephen Sluck and the staff at 65 Forward, as well as Hospice of the Sacred Heart, for the compassionate care and support provided during Sarah’s final days.

Special thanks are extended to Lori Reese, Emy, Mary Ann, and Laurie whose kindness and care meant so much to Sarah and her family.

The family is also deeply grateful to the many relatives and loved ones who offered their time, love, and support throughout this difficult journey, with special appreciation to Marie and Jerry Zawislak, Ann Marie Benasutti, Annie and Jamie Sanko, Carol Derrig, Barbara Mielechowski, Laura Morelli, and Sam Matechak for all they did and for being there when they were needed most. To everyone who offered a helping hand, a kind word, a visit, a prayer, or simply their presence, the family extends its sincere appreciation.

Sarah’s survivors include three daughters, Patricia Phillips and her husband, Joe, Oneonta, NY; JoAnn Carito and her husband, Frank, Greenfield Twp.; and Susan Ferke, Olyphant; a sister, Michele Smigiel, Madison, New Jersey; 10 grandchildren, Michael Phillips and his wife Dana; Dr. Marueen Longfellow and her husband, Dr. Todd; Sarah Fernando and her husband, Attorney Stephen; Frankie Carito and his wife, Maura; Trina Collins and her husband, Justin; Kevin Carito and his wife, Taylor; Shawn Carito and his partner, Jill; Dr. Michael Kipp and husband Attorney Guy; Stephen Ferke; and Patrick Ferke; 14 great-grandchildren, Jason Phillips; Zach, Alex and Kate Longfellow; Luca, Olivia, Sophia, and Gio Fernando; Chaney and Kieran Carito; Ricky and Vaeda Collins; Cooper and Leo Carito; a sister-in-law, Peggy Gates, Monroe, North Carolina; several dear nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by 5 sisters, Pat Lou Strong, Mary Fitzmaurice, Jean Sanko, Kathryn Dempsey, and Louise Hedden; 1 brother, Walter James Dempsey; and a son-in-law, Michael S. Ferke.

The funeral will be Saturday, August 22, 2026, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Parish at Corpus Christi Church, 704 Montdale Road, Scott Township. Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 350 Commerce Drive, Scott Township.

Family and friends are invited to attend Sarah’s viewing, which will be held on Saturday in the church from 9:00 a.m. until the start of Mass.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Hudak-O’Shea & Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 115 Garfield Avenue, Olyphant.

To offer an online condolence, visit the funeral home’s website or Facebook page.