Classmate dies
Nancy Joann (Thorn) Harding, 70, of Indian Creek Nursing Center, formerly of 421 Gardner Center Road, died Jan. 12, 2005, in Jameson Hospital.
Born Nov. 25, 1934, in her family farmhouse in Lowellville, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Mehard “Babe” William and Marian Cora Heckathorn Thorn.
Nancy was the 436th person to walk down aisle at graduation. After her name in the Yearbook, it reads: “Specializes in having a good time.” She was a football usher in her senior year.
Nancy was retired from Sears, where she had worked as a cashier from 1975 to 1996. She also worked at Isaly’s in New Wilmington from 1953 to 1955. She enjoyed bowling.
She was a former member of the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, the Princeton Presbyterian Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband, Herbert D. Harding of New Castle; a daughter and son-in-law with whom she made her home, Pamela S. Taylor-McCracken and James A. “Bud” McCracken Jr.; a son, Douglas D. Taylor, retired from the Navy, and his wife, Christie Taylor of Barlett, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Jacob D. McCracken and his wife, Michelle, Joshua D. McCracken, Rachel J. Taylor and Matthew C. Taylor; four great-grandchildren, Jonathan L. McCracken, Zachary S. McCracken, Katie L. McCracken and Luke Douglas Taylor; two sisters, Maxine Adams of New Castle and Marian O’Brien; and a brother, Gordon Thorn of San Antonio, Texas, retired from the Navy.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard D. Thorn, and her former husband, Thomas I. Taylor.
Her passing brings to 86 the number of classmates who have died.
A friend called to tell us that
John A. Finnin died around October of 2004.
That brings to 87 the number of classmates who have died.
The Yearbook says: "With curly hair and deep blue eyes, Johnny is a Senior prize."
John was a member of the Gym Team in the 11th and 12th grades and an Assembly Usher in the 11th grade.
