Obituary of Dorothy Mae Gallihugh

Dorothy Mae (Poliak) Gallihugh, 87, of Sterling, VA passed away on June 23, 2018. She was born on November 14, 1930 in Moon Township (now known as Monaca), Pennsylvania to John Poliak and Eva (Reznik) Poliak. 

Dorothy graduated from Monaca High School in 1948 and married Cornelius Franklin “Frank” Gallihugh in 1955. A highlight of Dorothy’s role as a Navy wife was when they were stationed in Rome, Italy from 1956–1959, before returning to Virginia. They moved to Sterling in 1963 and stayed until 1980, when they relocated to their beloved cabin on High Knob in Front Royal.  Dorothy worked as a secretary for LCPS from 1971-1980, at Sterling Middle and Park View High Schools.  Dorothy and Frank were long-time members of Sterling United Methodist Church, and very involved in a variety of volunteer activities.  Dorothy was also a long-time volunteer at Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal, Virginia.

Dorothy is survived by sons James Elvin (Arleen), and Ronald (Gina), both of Sterling Virginia; six grandchildren, Jamie Lowe (Jordan), Courtney, Shannon Whipple (Chris), Emily, Connor, and Claire; and three great-grandchildren, Baylor Lowe, Harper Lowe, and Brantley Whipple.  She is predeceased by her husband, Frank, and her five brothers, John Poliak, Charles Poliak, Albert Poliak, Paul Poliak, and Walter Poliak.

The family will be receiving friends and loved ones at Sterling United Methodist Church (304 E. Church Rd., Sterling, VA) on Wednesday, June 27 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.  The funeral service will take place at the church at 1:00 p.m. following the visitation.  All are welcome to a post-service reception to be held at the church.  Interment will take place at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Culpeper National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sterling United Methodist Church (Dorothy’s church home for more than 50 years), or to The Adler Center for Caring in Aldie, Virginia, where she was lovingly cared for during her final days.