COCHRANE

NANCY COX

Nancy Cox Cochrane, 96, of Elizabeth Township, passed away peacefully in her home of 60 years, surrounded by her children on Friday, July 25, 2025. 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 tenth 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 80s. 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 Community Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by the GILBERT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 6028 Smithfield St., Boston, PA 15135, 412-751-5000, Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at:

Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com