Nancy McDonald

Nancy Hill, Eaton, Arthurs, McDonald was born November 14,1935 in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. She was widowed three times and throughout the years professed great love for each of her husbands (Bill Eaton, Addison Arthurs, and Bill McDonald). Nancy is survived by her sister, Linda Travisano  and her nieces JoAnn Ruggiero (Joseph) and Nancy Travisano. In her teenage years, Nancy excelled in swimming and other sports. She enjoyed cooking, which became a lifelong passion. In recognition of her academic achievements, she received a full scholarship to Robert Morris Business School. Nancy worked part time during her college years for Mr. Chester Fisher, who introduced her to many of his friends and business associates. Because of her charm and graciousness, Nancy was well known and admired by the downtown social and business elite. She was a regular commuter on the 77C with so many of her friends from the East End. She was one of the first female members of the Duquesne Club and enjoyed there the camaraderie of friends and staff for many years. 

Nancy worked for 37 years until her retirement from Duquesne Light. During these years, she traveled extensively throughout the world, with her last great tour to Antarctica for her 80th birthday. These experiences made Nancy a great storyteller with an extensive knowledge of cultures, politics and religions. She was also a “feminist” before many had heard the word. She brought about many changes for women’s rights and dignity. She was very proud of her win with Governor Milton Shapp, that women would no longer have to pay a dime for use of the Ladies’ Rooms in Pennsylvania. Men paid no such fee. She saved the Governor’s letter which praised her for this victory.

With her exceptional sense of humor, she could hold court for her friends, regaling them with humorous stories, based upon the situations that befell her during her travels and business life. In her last marriage, Nancy and Bill McDonald lived in Maui for 23 years, with some time spent on their ranch outside San Francisco, and frequent visits to her apartment in North Oakland. Nancy became a great philanthropist and supporter of Pittsburgh‘s institutions of higher learning, especially her desire to assist the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC in developing treatment and potential cures for those suffering with scleroderma, which Nancy herself quietly endured for many years. Many other Pittsburgh charities were blessed with her generous benefactions.

On February 24, 2024 Nancy quietly passed from this world, surround with family and friends in her own home. She will be greatly missed, but her stories and influence will be remembered by many for years to come.
There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 2 at the Eucharistic Chapel in Sacred Heart Church, of St. Jude Parish, 310 Shady Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Interment will be held privately at a later date. Rather than flowers, please consider a donation to The Scleroderma Center
University of Pittsburgh and UPMC 3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue, Suite 8084, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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