Dec 14, 2021

Nova L. McGourty, 70, of Gladden Heights, Cecil Township, passed peacefully in the loving presence of her family on December 11, 2021.

She was born October 13, 1951, a daughter of Emerson and Loretta Ayres Loffert.

Nova was a Canon McMillian graduate, class of 1969. She then was a secretary for McGraw Edison in Canonsburg. It was there that she met her husband, Thomas F. McGourty, who survives.

They were married on February 15, 1975. After the birth of their first child, Nova became a full time stay at home mother until her children graduated. Nova then started working again as an Administrative Assistant for several senior living facilities in the area.

Nova was a 20 year breast cancer survivor, living long enough to enjoy her grandchildren. She especially loved watching her granddaughter Sadie, ice skate at different competitions.

Mrs. McGourty was a proud member of Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Moon Township. She was very active in the Cecil Elementary Parent Teacher Association, eventually becoming president. She also was the former president Canon McMillian parent council, and served as Canon McMillian School Board representative from Cecil Township.

Surviving are three children, Blake (Rachel) McGourty, of Moon Township, Brad (Amanda) McGourty, of Pittsburgh, and Breanna (John)Taussig, of Fredericksburg, Va.; six grandchildren, Sadie and Zachary McGourty, Clara, Nathan, Cora, and Jason Taussig; a sister, Janice (Nick) Profio, of Oakdale; a brother, Ralph, of Arvada Colo.; and a special nephew, Daniel (Michelle) Loffert, of Arvada, Colo..

A memorial gathering will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 E. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021, in Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 1555 Brodhead Road, Moon Twp., 15108.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Riverdale Presbyterian Church.