Obituary of Nancy L. McAlister

Nancy L. McAlister, 75, of Finleyville, PA, went home to be with her mother and her Lord on Wednesday evening, May 28, 2014 at the home of her niece, Fran Smith, in Elizabethtown after losing her battle with cancer. Born in Shermans Dale, PA, she was the daughter of the late Raymond W. and Esther May Owings McAlister. Nancy was a member of Young's United Methodist Church in Shermans Dale. She was a graduate of Perry Joint High School and earned an Associates Degree in Emergency Medicine from Harrisburg Area Community College. Nancy was enlisted in the United States Air Force, the Air Force National Guard, and the Marine Corps where she was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant. She faithfully served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the "Outstanding Airman of the Year" in 1975. She was a life-member of Marysville VFW. Prior to retiring in 2002, she was employed as a financial systems analyst by the US Government with Defense, Finance, and Accounting in Charleston, SC. Previously, she was employed as an Inventory Management Specialist with the Naval Ships Parts Control Center (Naval Depot) in Mechanicsburg. While working at the Naval Depot, she was an EMT with the Emergency Medical Care Organization for 15 years. She also volunteered as an EMT with Shermans Dale Ambulance Service for 10 years. Following retirement, she was employed by the State Hospital in Harrisburg as a secretary. Nancy was a very compassionate, fun-loving person who loved giving to others. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball. She had a lifelong passion for bowling which she continued until recently. Nancy also was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Phillies fan. She loved family and friends above all else and served her country with honor and pride. She treated others as she wished to be treated herself. In addition to her niece, she is survived by two siblings, Mary Ann, wife of Neal E. Cleland, of Shermans Dale, and Raymond "Gene", husband of Arlene McAlister, of Sharpsburg, GA; 12 nieces and nephews; 10 great nieces and nephews; and a longtime friend, Christina Rua. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert G. McAlister and Jack A. McAlister; a nephew, George McAlister, and great nephews, Sharn Neal Cleland and Jason Cassell. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 12:00 pm at Young's United Methodist Church, 101 Young's Church Road, Shermans Dale, PA 17090 with Pastor Bruce Woolever and Pastor Nancy L. Goff officiating. Interment will be private in Mount Gilead Cemetery, Shermans Dale. There will be no viewing. The family will receive guests at a reception in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to Young's United Methodist Church. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.