Shirley Dutton Schuette

Shirley Dutton Schuette, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted educator, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, to Edward Frank Hartshorn Dutton and Isabel Jessie Small, Shirley spent her childhood living in Brazil, Canada, and eventually Bethesda, Maryland: experiences that shaped her lifelong curiosity, adaptability, and love of culture and learning.

In December 1956, she married the love of her life, William ‘Bill’ Henry Schuette. Together they built a home in McLean, Virginia, and shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. They were devoted parents to three sons and a daughter, wholeheartedly supporting their children’s interests and rarely missing a sporting event, school function, or milestone celebration.

After her youngest child entered kindergarten, Shirley pursued her own academic goals, earning both her Bachelor of Arts in English from Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross and Master of Arts in Education from Trinity College, both in Washington, DC. She went on to dedicate her professional life to Fairfax County Public Schools, where she served primarily as a reading specialist. Shirley’s deep commitment to literacy and education continued well into retirement, as she volunteered as a reading specialist at Saint Luke School, helping young students discover the joy and confidence that come with reading.

Shirley was a longtime member of the Washington Canoe Club and an active parishioner of Saint Luke Parish in McLean, Virginia. She found great joy in time spent with family, traveling, sewing, cooking, gardening, and embracing the outdoors. Those who knew her will remember her as an ardent supporter, a nurturing and steady presence, and a loyal and cherished friend.

She is predeceased by her husband, Bill (2002), her son Rick Schuette (2019), her parents and two sisters.  She is survived by three children, Mike Schuette (Ginny, deceased), Larry Schuette (Jennifer) and Karin Mulquin (Tom, deceased) along with 14 grandchildren and one great‑grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the Washington Canoe Club: PO Box 25449, Washington D.C. 20027 or Saint Luke Catholic Church: 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101.

A private funeral will be held at St. Luke Church.  Shirley will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  Further details will be shared with family and friends.