Nancy Rose (Aaron) O'Hara-Weigand

Nancy Rose (Aaron) O’Hara-Weigand, born in Pittsburgh, PA to Mary (Connor) Aaron and Paul S. Aaron on May 12, 1930, died quietly on May 21, 2017 in her adopted final home of New Smyrna Beach Florida, where she had been living with her daughter Phyllis’ family and where she loved the Florida sun as hot as it could get. Nancy is survived by eight flourishing children and their agreeable spouses, 19 beautiful grandchildren, two brand spanking new great grandchildren and two sage siblings, all of whom enjoyed her company and dry wit.

Nancy’s surviving children and their spouses, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren are Christine (Roger) Winstanley and Annie (Conor) Tapp and Jake Winstanley; Kathleen (Lawrence) Laychak, and Marybeth (Andrew) Laychak-Odell and Jayne (Ryan) Laychak-Overturf and Wesley Overturf; Timothy (Mary) and Colin (Sona Simo) and Ana Natalia O’Hara and Kevin O’Hara; Mike (Cyndi) and Keegan, Patrick and Katie O’Hara; Bernadette (O’Hara) DeVault and Ryan, Sean and Brendan DeVault; Robert (aka R.J.) (Chris) and Connor and Brigid O’Hara and Alex (Fielding); Mary (Bud) Stellfox and Alison and Sadie Stellfox; and Phyllis (John) Junkin and Ian and Charlotte Junkin, who lovingly made a home and cared for Nancy for 5 years. Nancy is also survived by siblings, Brother Phil Aaron, of Dayton, Ohio (among other work, formerly principal of North Catholic High School), and Sister Mary Philip Aaron, of Greensburg (among other work, formerly principal of Sacred Heart High School). Nancy was preceded in death by her second husband, George Weigand, as well as by her first husband, Robert O’Hara, and by her siblings, Bernadette, who died at the tender age of 13 and of whom Nancy still had vivid memories, as well as her oldest brother Paul Jr. (“Bud”) Aaron, a combat veteran, of Michigan, and by her brother Father James Aaron, who served various parishes around Pittsburgh.

Nancy grew up in McKees Rocks and on the North Side of Pittsburgh, graduating from St. Benedict’s High School. She had wonderful memories of always having a large extended family around while growing up – including the Burgunders and Aarons about whom she spoke of fondly, recalling the Aaron tennis courts, dances in Pittsburgh’s long forgotten parks, summers on Conneaut Lake to escape the oppressive city heat and receiving visitors there, and the fun times of a simpler age. On and off, Nancy worked at the old Horne’s Department Store, and for 15 years at the former Sacred Heart High School, where she was a student favorite despite being the attendance secretary.  Nancy raised her family for a time on Pittsbugh’s North Side and was a member of St. Cyril’s parish, before the family moved to Emsworth, where the family joined Sacred Heart parish. In retirement, Nancy and George moved to Linesville and were members of St. Phillips parish.  (A humorous “crowning” achievement for Nancy in Linesville, which she found amusing for “an old dame” in her late 70s, was being named the “Queen of Queens” for the Ducks Unlimited Parade and waving to parade goers while perched on the back of an open convertible.) What Nancy enjoyed most were family gatherings and good meals – whether prepared at home or out at a restaurant, assuming good service and better food was provided - and receiving news about the adventures and successes of her large family, whether the events were large or small.  Her passing brought her relief from a long, quiet, brave battle with cancer. She was 87 years young and always curious about what would come next. She and her guidance and wit will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the chapel at Allegheny County Memorial Park, 1600 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101; all who knew Nancy are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Cancer Society donations are also encouraged.