Shelah Kane Scott died on October 25, 2024, surrounded by friends and family at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge (WCBR), Charlottesville, VA. Shelah was born in Richmond, VA, and was the oldest of the four daughters of Richmond Keith Kane and Amanda Bryan Kane. Shelah was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 56 years, James Hamilton Scott, Jr., and her sister Anne Kane McGuire. Shelah was raised in New York City, attended the Potomac School in McLean, VA, was a 1950 graduate of The Brearley School in NYC, attended Smith College in Northampton, MA, for two years before marrying Jim, and finished her undergraduate degree at Barnard College in NYC. After her three children were grown, she earned her Master of Education at the University of Virginia. She shared her passion for education and lifelong learning by teaching reading at Venable (now Trailblazer) Elementary School in Charlottesville and tutoring adults who had been failed by the education system. Despite leaving Smith after two years, Shelah was a proud alumna and was very close to her classmates there. She served for many decades as class agent for the Smith Class of 1954.

Shelah was exceptionally committed to her family, her friends, and her faith, as well as the Charlottesville community that had been her home since 1960. She dedicated most of her life to supporting her children and grandchildren in whatever pursuits they undertook. The last two decades were spent attending the sporting events, theater productions, and milestones that shaped her grandchildren’s lives. She could be found seated proudly on the front row, cheering them on, even into her 90s. Shelah’s intelligence, grace, and practical nature made her an invaluable volunteer for and a board member of many local organizations and her church. Shelah was an avid reader and gardener, loved traveling to new places, and thrived on making new friends. She always accepted people just as they were, regardless of race, religion, or background, and was fascinated to listen to the stories of others’ lives. When she and Jim moved to WCBR in 2003, they continued to make new friends, many of whom brought her great strength and support during her final weeks.

Shelah is survived by two sisters, Hope Kane Childs of Norfolk, CT, and Constance Kane Tucker of Wickford, RI; one sister-in-law, Mary Scott “Polly” Cardozo of Richmond, VA; three children, Elizabeth Dallam Lee Scott, Keith Kane Scott, James Hamilton “Jay” Scott, III, and daughter-in-law Sarah Elisabeth Bedford, all of Charlottesville; three grandchildren, Bedford Henley “Ford” Scott, Alden James Scott, and Elisabeth Peirson Scott, as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Shelah and her family are forever grateful to the staff at WCBR who contributed to her care and well-being during the past 21 years. Special thanks go to the WCBR Healthcare physicians and staff, T & L Companions, and Hospice of the Piedmont who all worked hard to make sure her final weeks were comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, Shelah would love for donations to be sent to any of the following:

• Charlottesville Area Community Foundation fbo Region 10 Endowment

P.O. Box 1767, Charlottesville, VA 22902

• St. Paul’s Memorial Church fbo the Building Centennial Campaign

1701 University Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903

• Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge Fellowship Fund

250 Pantops Mtn Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.