Write a commentReta Elizabeth Stanley, 78, a longtime resident of Liverpool, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Oswego, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Rita (Sadler) Stanley. She graduated from Oswego Catholic High School, Class of 1965, where she made many lifelong friends. She then earned a bachelor's degree from D'Youville University in Buffalo in 1969.
Reta worked as a supervisor for 20 years at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services before retiring in 2018. She also previously worked for Onondaga County's Department of Social Services and taught at Bryant & Stratton College.
She was an avid bridge player, actively participated in local political groups, and was a voracious reader. She enjoyed spending time watching sunsets by the water with her dogs at Breitbeck Park in Oswego. Charismatic, funny, and a genuine friend to all, she will be deeply missed.
Surviving her are her niece, Maggie Dunsford; Maggie's partner, Jonathon Mecomber; her sister, Mary Ann (Stanley) Dunsford, all of Syracuse; her niece, Sara Stanley, of Winston-Salem, NC; her sister-in-law, Susan (Johnson) Stanley, of Oswego; and her great-nephews, Gavin and Hudson. She also leaves behind her dear friend of many years, Katherine Collins, and her beloved dog, Randy.
She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Paul Stanley; her brother-in-law, Edward Dunsford; and her five other dogs: Christy, Dusty, Kaylee, Queenie, and Precious.
Calling hours will be held at Dowdle Funeral Home on Thursday, June 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd Church.
Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery.
A celebration of Reta's life will follow the burial services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HumaneCNY in Reta's memory at 4915 West Taft Road, Liverpool, NY 13088 (www.humanecny.org), or to your favorite local animal shelter.
