After graduation, Scarry headed off to Slippery Rock University, again a small, friendly school. She majored in social science and speech, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Her extracurricular activities included class representative to the student government, all senior basketball team, debate and the lead supporting role in the production of Madea.

Her first post-college job was with U.S. Steel in Homestead. By fall, Scarry was offered a teaching position in the McGuffey School District in Claysville. She accepted the McGuffey job despite taking a significant drop in income. Two years later, she moved back to her high school alma mater, Elizabeth- Forward, when an opening in her field occurred. Scarry taught Pennsylvania History/Civics, World Cultures and Problems of Democracy classes. She also coached the Debate Team and directed the Senior Class play in 1962.

Feeling a need to expand her professional career, Scarry accepted a position at Allegheny General Hospital School of Nursing as the Dean of Students and teaching first year students the communication course. .I did so much counseling: I realized the need to earn a master.s degree in guidance.. She subsequently was forced to return to teaching when the Allegheny General Board decided to close the school to provide clinical facilities to Penn State University.

Ringgold High School was her next stop. Because her certificate was so broad, she was assigned to teach World Geography, Economic Geography and Problems of Democracy. This was at the height of the Vietnam War and memories of World War II came to life. .I knew that many of my students would be thrown into a very difficult environment with little time to enjoy young adulthood. I was sad and prayed for them..

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing was looking for a person with experience in education and working with nursing students. This was ideal for Scarry who became the Registrar and academic advisor for the school. .My ten years at Pitt provided the opportunity to work many departments and academic committees within the university..

After 22 years at various education institutions, Scarry entered the securities field as a registered representative where she used her counseling skills to aid investors making financial decisions. She became a Certified Financial Planner in 1981. That same year, Scarry and two partners formed a national investment advisory service having representatives in 20 states.

Scarry is the founding president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (now merged with IAFP), served as the vice president of the IAFP and chairman of the Ethics committee. She is listed in the Marquis Who.s Who in Financial Industry from 1984 to 1996.

She hosted one of Pittsburgh.s first financial planning radio talk show, .Dollar and Sense. on KQV. She had been a guest on Bill Flannigan.s Money Talk on KDKA-TV.

In 2008, Scarry retired and got involved in other community activities. She served as president of the Elizabeth Township Senior Citizens and is a director on the Elizabeth Forward School Board. She is active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving as Flotilla commander.

Scarry is the daughter of the late Michael J. and Mary A. Scarry. Both parents were teachers. The youngest of four children, her brother Jack played professional basketball and retired as Vice President of Interlake Steel Company in 1973. Brother Mike, better known as Mo, played for the Cleveland Browns, coached in the NFL and retired from the Miami Dolphins in 1985. He was a coach on the Dolphins.1972 undefeated team. Sister Sally married, raised four boys and retired from the Elizabeth Post Office in 1987. Scarry has 11 nieces and nephews, 17 great nieces and nephews and 11 great grand nieces and nephews.