Nancy A. (Ainsley) Baird, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2018 in Vincentian Marian Manor nursing facility. She was born in Masontown, PA on October 29, 1930 to the late James F. Ainsley and Mary Neff. She was the beloved wife of the late James R. Dono and the late John J. Baird, Jr.; mother of Lizabeth (John) Buckwalter and the late James R. Dono, Jr.; grandmother of Wesley (Carolyn) Buckwalter, Lacie Rae (James) Cunningham, Alesha Nicole (William) Davis, Neal Dono, and Nicholas Dono; great-grandmother of Eleanor Buckwalter, Graham and Ingrid Cunningham, Matthew and Allison Dono, and Brooklynn Gilmour. She was the sister of Jimmie Lynn Danaher and the late Mary Elizabeth Ainsley.
Nancy graduated from Cumberland Township High School in Carmichaels, PA and The Washington Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, PA. She continued her education and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University and a Masters in Nursing Education and Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Throughout her life and 50 year nursing career, Nancy advocated for the highest standards and quality care for the elderly, beginning in 1958 at John J. Kane Hospital. She was integral in developing the long-term care concept with the planning and operations of the Kane Regional Centers for Allegheny County. She was the administrator of Kane Regional-McKeesport, totaling 27 years as a county employee.
Later, Nancy also assisted in the planning and operations of the Arthur B. Hodges nursing facility in WV, the Charleston Area Medical Center, and the University of West Virginia for three years. She then became the Nursing Home Administrator at a Leader Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and became a consultant for the Vincentian Marian Manor nursing facility. There, she designed and implemented one of the first special care units for Alzheimer and dementia residents including specialized staff training. Nancy enjoyed retirement in Florida before recently returning to the Pittsburgh area to be with family.
Nancy will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues with whom she served. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at Vincentian Marian Manor for their care and attentiveness on Nancy’s behalf. Contributions in Nancy’s memory may be made to The Sisters of the Holy Spirit/Marian Manor or Bethany Hospice. Services will be private. Arrangements by Orion C. Pinkerton Funeral Home. To offer condolences or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.pinkertonfuneralhome.net
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