Doris Lucille Prete, 91, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Morgantown, peacefully passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Benderson Skilled Nursing Facility in Sarasota. She was born May 27, 1933, in Smith Township, Pa., the only daughter of the late Margaret “Belle” Culley Sturgeon.
She was a former teacher, local businesswoman, advocate for the disabled, and devoted wife and mother.
She graduated from Morgantown High in 1951 and received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from West Virginia University in 1956. She then went on to pursue her Master of Fine Arts in Education from WVU in 1957.
She began her teaching career in 1957 at Jefferson-Morgan High School in Greene County, Pa. She taught Physical Education there for over a decade. She coached its women’s basketball team and was one of the first females to become a certified basketball referee in the area. She was fond of her students, and many of them have stayed in touch with her throughout her life.
It was during this time that she developed her deep love for sports. She especially loved basketball and attending WVU home games. Later in her life, she also enjoyed following her grandchildren’s college teams in both football and basketball.
She transitioned her career path in 1967 and turned her attention to helping her husband build their local business, Prete Rental Company. She worked tirelessly at all aspects of the business and applied her skills to any need they had. She loved working hand-in-hand with her husband and was a vital part of their success. They were a true team in both business and marriage.
She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and one of the founding members of PACE Association of Monongalia County (People Aware of Children Exceptional). She was an integral part of the organization’s beginning stages, coordinated the initial fund-raisers, and helped lay the foundation for the “Exceptional Children” of Mon County to have a place to call their own.
Above all, she treasured her role as a loving and caring mother and wife. Her family was the foundation of her life, and she selflessly dedicated herself to caring for her children. She devoted extra special care to the upbringing of her special needs daughter, Michelle. She utilized programs throughout Mon County and WVU and worked closely with the teachers to allow her daughter to participate in education, speech therapy, and community involvement. She also facilitated her traveling to schools and programs outside of the area, allowing Michelle the opportunity to thrive among her peers. She was a proud supporter of Special Olympics and religiously attended Michelle’s events. She was blessed with the ability to have children with diverse needs but ultimately made them feel of equal importance.
She is survived by her three loving daughters: Michelle Prete of Jefferson, Wisc.; Marsha Sutter (Doug) of Sarasota; and Laura Morgano (Roberto) of Morgantown. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Danielle and Lauren Sutter, and Antonio, Isabella, Rocco and Marianna Morgano; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 64 years, James A. Prete.
Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 4, in St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3346 University Avenue, Morgantown, where visitation continues from 10 to 11 a.m., when a Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Saturday, October 5, with Father Gary P. Naegele and Father John V. DiBacco as concelebrants. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Peace Garden Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers and for those who wish to honor Doris in a special way, memorials can be made to St. Coletta of Wisconsin, N4637 County Road Y, Jefferson, WI 53549, Attn: Development Department or at www.stcolettawi.org/donate
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.
