Longtime Allegheny County Photographer Margaret Stanley Dies

DORMONT, PA - Margaret Stanley, a borough resident and photographer for Allegheny County, died unexpectedly on June 24. She was 60.

Stanley was a drummer, artist and animal lover who served as a trustee of the Margaret Raphael Foundation, created several years ago to provide for the welfare of animals. But she was best known as a photographer for the county, where she worked for more than 30 years.

Guillermo Cole, former public information officer for the county health department, said Stanley was one of the finest persons he ever worked with in county government.

“Margaret was a consummate professional, but more importantly she was an uplifting person and kind-hearted soul,” he said. “Margaret's passion for photography was surpassed only by her love of animals and concern for others.”

Stanley is survived by her husband, Robert “Russ” Dowie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Grace Stanley, and a brother, William Stanley.

Friends will be received July 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2630 West Liberty Avenue, Dormont. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a favorite local animal charity.

Photo by Shawn Carpenter via Creative Commons.