Nancy J. McElwain Rauso, a beloved pillar of her community and a cherished member of her family, passed away on February 13, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on March 12, 1938, in Union, New Jersey, Nancy was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Edna McElwain. Nancy’s journey of life and love began at Union High School and continued at Grove City College, where fate intervened on her very first day. It was there that she met Jerry Rauso, the love of her life and her future husband.
Nancy’s college years were marked by her spirited involvement as a cheerleader and sorority member, shaping the vibrant and outgoing personality for which she would be known throughout her life. Upon graduating, Nancy embarked on a career in education, accepting a teaching position at her hometown high school. Her passion for English literature and her dedication to her students left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from her.
After her marriage to Jerry in 1961, Nancy relocated to Pittsburgh, where she continued her teaching career at Gateway High School for two years before making the decision to focus on raising her two daughters, Sherri and Linda. Throughout her life, Nancy’s adventurous spirit and zest for life led her to embrace new experiences and forge lasting friendships wherever she went. Whether living in Penn Hills for thirty-seven years, enjoying the warmth of Naples, Florida, or returning to Murrysville to be close to family, Nancy’s infectious energy and genuine warmth endeared her to all who knew her.
Nancy had a passion for sports, excelling in bowling and golf, and was renowned for her prowess as a bridge player. She took great joy in organizing social gatherings and activities, particularly for her beloved golf and bridge groups. One of her most cherished traditions was organizing a yearly weekend retreat at Seven Springs Resort for a special Churchill High School music department parents’ group, a testament to her unwavering dedication and boundless generosity.
Above all else, Nancy’s heart belonged to her family. She took immense pride in her daughters, Sherri and Linda, and reveled in the joy of being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her love and devotion knew no bounds, and she cherished every moment spent with her family, creating treasured memories that will endure for generations to come. Nancy leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years, Jerry Rauso, her daughters Sherri (Richard) Nowicki and Linda (Daniel) Megaludis, her adored grandchildren Matthew, Eric, Nicholas, and Alexa, and her precious great-grandson Dominic.
She is also mourned by a multitude of devoted friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, kindness, and infectious spirit. In the wake of Nancy’s passing, her family and friends take solace in the enduring legacy of love and laughter that she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her unwavering kindness, boundless generosity, and the love she shared so freely with all who were fortunate enough to know her.
