Nancy Cox Cochrane

Nancy Cox Cochrane, 96, of Elizabeth Township passed away peacefully in her home of 60 years, surrounded by her children. She was born on November 4, 1928 in McKeesport, PA to William J Cox Jr and Elisabeth Young Cox. After attending McKeesport Public Schools through 10 th grade, she went to Grier School, a boarding school in Tyrone, PA where she enjoyed horseback riding and was proud to make the first team in field hockey. She started college at Western College in Oxford, Ohio (now part of Miami University of Ohio), and after two years, she convinced her mother to let her transfer to Pennsylvania State College in State College, PA (now Pennsylvania State University). She joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduated in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Home Economics where she focused on early childhood education. Nancy married George A Cochrane, whom she had met at Penn State, and together they raised four children in Elizabeth Township. Known for her abundant energy, Nancy filled many volunteer roles over the years including PTA fundraiser, Brownie troop leader, and local American Field Service member bringing foreign exchange students to Elizabeth Forward High School and sending EF students abroad. She served in many capacities at Mt Vernon Community Presbyterian Church, including as Deacon and Elder. She volunteered for decades at the McKeesport Hospital Gift Shop (and later the UPMC McKeesport Gift Shop) raising money for the hospital as part of the Junior Committee. She also worked for 25 years as the office manager of her husband’s business. In later years she joined the Garden Club of McKeesport, working in the rose gardens at Renziehausen Park through her 80’s. Nancy was predeceased by her husband George and her brother William J Cox III. 

She is survived by her children: Jacki Cochrane, Bill (Tanis) Cochrane, Louise Cochrane, and J.P. Cochrane, all of whom consider themselves lucky to have had her as their mother. She is also survived by her granddaughter Nakhia Cochrane, her niece Beth Haase Molek, and many cousins. The family suggests that those wishing to honor Nancy donate in her memory to Mt Vernon Community Presbyterian Church 2200 Greenock Buena Vista Rd McKeesport PA 15135 412-751-8479 Or The Garden Club of McKeesport 1400 Pinoak Dr McKeesport PA 15132 412-672-1050. There will be no visitation and the burial will be private. Friends are invited to a celebration of Nancy’s life at Mount Vernon United Presbyterian Church in August, date will be announced on the obituary shortly. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com