Nancy M. (Cass) Koren

Nancy M. Koren, 90, formerly of Canonsburg, died Thursday, July 20, 2017, in Strabane Woods, Washington, following a brief illness.

She was born Sept. 9, 1926, in Amity, a daughter of the late Joseph and Rebecca Cass.

On June 30, 1951, she married Ernest Koren, who died June 23, 2011.

Mrs. Koren lived a life of faith. A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg, where she served for over 30 years in many capacities, including director of religious education, Sunday school teacher and RCIA instructor.

Mrs. Koren served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

She worked as a supervisor at RCA in Meadow Lands before becoming a homemaker.

She loved children, and over the years she opened her home to more than 20 foster children. She volunteered with Catholic Charities, served as a Cub Scout den mother.

Mrs. Koren was a voracious reader, and her bookshelves were lined with a variety of works from authors ranging from Henry David Thoreau to Stephen King.

She was a skilled seamstress and elegant dresser who knew the importance of a tight stitch and a good string of pearls, and enjoyed crossword puzzles, especially the New York Times.

An enthusiastic Scrabble player, she was famous for hogging the triple-word score squares and knew more Q words not followed by U than her opponents.

Mrs. Koren was a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and during 1970s Super Bowl years she made T-bone steaks and baked potatoes during halftime of games. She was a compassionate woman, except during Steelers games, when she frequently yelled at injured players, especially Terry Bradshaw, “If you can spit, you can play, boys.”

Mrs. Koren donated to many charities, including St. Joseph’s Indian School, and when driving, she always rolled down her window to give cash to any homeless person or veteran who held up a sign.

Mrs. Koren was proud of her four children, William (Emay) Koren of Gainesville, Va., Russell (Debbie Scott) Koren of Washington, Karen (Jonn) Mansfield of North Strabane Township, and Karol (Terry) Snead of South Park.

She greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Katherine, Jackie, Liz, Matthew and Michael Mansfield, whom she spoiled shamelessly.

She is the last of her immediate family and was preceded in death by 10 brothers and three sisters.

She is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.

A dog lover, she had many canine companions over the years, but none was more special to her than her last dog, Rascal.

For the past two years, she lived in Strabane Woods, where she led a weekly rosary class and developed close friendships with residents and staff.

Friends are welcome from noon until 8pm Sunday July 23, 2017 and from 10:30 until 11:30am Monday when departing prayers will be recited in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra owner /supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg 724-745-8120. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon Monday in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church 317 West Pike Street Canonsburg with reverend Martin Barkin as celebrant. Entombment with full military rites will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Twp. The Christian Mothers and guild of St. Patrick’s will recite the rosary at noon Sunday in the funeral home. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.