Nancy Ellen Alderson's Obituary
Nancy Ellen Alderson was born in Mt. Washington, Duquesne Heights. She grew up on Republic Street in a modest home where she lived with her mother, Theresa Ellen Holt, father, Emil Holt and brother Carl Holt. She attended South Hills High school and went to work immediately after, as a secretary for J&L Steel in the HR department.
In 1953 she married Wayne T. Alderson from Canonsburg and moved to Pleasant Hills. She fast became very involved in the community and joined the Pleasant Hills Presbyterian church where she became a faithful servant. Nancy had a strong faith and love of Jesus which was the driving force in her life. In 1956, her only daughter, Nancy Jean (McDonnell), was born, who brought her joy and purpose.
Nancy quickly became fully involved in the church, taking on the role of a servant. Her gift was to be a support, always present, involved, serving in the background, lifting up so many of the Church's missions. She served on the altar committee, in the kitchen, as a choir mom, girl scout mom and supporter of Evensong, a Sunday night service of hymns and song.
Outside of the church, Nancy was very involved in the Pleasant Hills Garden Club, serving as Club President for several years. Her talents were plentiful, creative, and artistic. She participated in numerous flower show competitions, receiving many, many awards and ribbons for her arrangements.
She was always detailed and put together! A fabulous seamstress, designing and making her professional suits when working at J&L Steel, moving on to making choir robe stoles, Kennywood outfits, school outfits, prom dresses, Halloween costumes for her daughter Nancy Jean and others in the neighborhood.
In 1995, her only grandchild was born, Patrick Wayne McDonnell, who truly became her Joy.
Nancy was known as a great prayer warrior for friends in need, kind and thoughtful, gifted in sending notes and doing thoughtful actions to encourage and lift the spirits of those God placed in her life. She traveled with her husband, Wayne Alderson, for over 30 years, serving as a support to his business and ministry with the Value of the Person.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jean McDonnell, son-in-law, Pat McDonnell, grandson, Patrick Wayne McDonnell. Preceding her in death are her parents, Theresa and Emil Holt, her brother, Carl Holt, and husband, Wayne T. Alderson.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for visitation on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 3-8 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Pleasant Hills Presbyterian Church, 199 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the church. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for a luncheon to celebrate Nancy's life at the Atria's in Pleasant Hills. Burial at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Pleasant Hills Garden Club.
To leave online condolences please visit www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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