Patricia J. Rush
Patricia J. Rush, 92, of Avella, died quietly, in her home, Tuesday evening, July 5, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was known affectionately as “Meme.”
The only daughter of Francis J. Scouvart Jr. and Mary Evelyn Campbell Scouvart was born December 29, 1929, and grew up in Avella, where her father had a hardware store. After graduating from Avella High School in 1947 she completed the secretarial program at Robert Morris Business School (presently Robert Morris University).
On February 21, 1950, she married the first love of her life, Donald A. Rush Sr., with whom she had five children, Judy, Don, Becky, Barb and Patrick. Always supportive of her husband and children’s endeavors, she helped on the family farm and was a volunteer for her children’s many activities.
After Donald died in 1975, she worked as a secretary for the Avella School District and Washington and Jefferson College.
Throughout her life she enjoyed a variety of activities. She was a fan of the Pirates, Steelers and college football. She was known for her prize-winning apple pies and beautiful wedding and birthday cakes. She was a member of the singing group the “Avella Aires.”
On September 28, 1996, she married the second love of her life, Albert A. Astorino, with whom she enjoyed her retirement by ball room dancing, traveling and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was a member of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, elder, church treasurer, sang in the choir and was a member of the Mary Shaw Missionary Society.
In addition to a loving family, Patricia was blessed by the lifelong friendship of special friends Shirley Vallina and Libby Hamilton, as well as her work and church families.
She is survived by her children, Judith Scott (John Mark), Donald A. Rush Jr. (Mary), Rebecca McGhee (Andrew), Barbara Skubovius, Patrick Rush (Stacy); grandchildren, the Rev. Andrew Scott (Sarah), the Rev. Benjamin Scott (Elena), Hope Paul (the Rev. Curtis), Donald Rush (Amber), Timothy Rush (Brittany), Nathaniel McGhee, Alexandra Aurand (Alexander), Faith Skubovius, Michael Rush (Allison), Emily Malagari (Nicholas); and great-grandchildren, Amelia, John and William Scott, Angelina, Sophia, Ruby and Elizabeth Scott, Lane and August Paul, Lester Rush, T. J. Rush, Petronella and Theodore Aurand and Miriam Malagari; sister-in-law, Rose Marie Ciccola; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother, F.J. Scouvart III (Mank) and sister-in-law, Marty; granddaughter, Anna McGhee; and son-in-law, Howard Skubovius.
Friends and family will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 10, in the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 250 S. Buffalo Road, Washington, PA 15301, where additional visitations will be held from 10 until the 11 a.m. time of service Monday, July 11, with Pastor Judy Mayer officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 103, West Middletown, PA 15379; or a charity of donor’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.