NANCY JOY RAUCH's Obituary
Nancy Joy Rauch passed away on February 6, 2023, in Ashburn, Virginia. Born Nancy Ann Joy in Sherman Mills, Maine in 1930, Nancy grew up in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. The youngest of three daughters of Lillian and Paul Joy, Nancy was pre-deceased by her parents and all three of her beloved siblings: Mary Carhart, Gloria Brown, and her little brother Bud Joy.
Nancy had an adventurous life as an elementary school teacher, a model, a merchandiser, a United Airlines flight attendant, an airport Traveler’s Aid volunteer, and the owner of three dress shops. Her maiden name “Joy” was uncannily apt as Nancy spread joy throughout her life. She was much loved by her many friends. Her kindness was unforgettable to anyone who ever met her, and her generous spirit will continue to inspire her children and grandchildren throughout their lives.
Nancy was pre-deceased by the love of her life, her husband Bill Rauch, in April of 2021. Bill and Nancy met when they were 13 years old, attended their high school prom together, and even played a married couple in their senior play. Although they didn’t marry until they were 30, they were blessed to enjoy 60 years of married life, much of it spent on the water given their shared love of boating. Bill’s work required them to move frequently throughout their lives together, between New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, Virginia, California, and Texas, with multiple moves to some states. Nancy never flinched in having to deal again and again with new schools, new doctors, new grocery stores, and new resources for her Deaf son Paul. She was her children’s hero in this and so many ways.
Nancy is survived by her children Bill Rauch (husband Christopher Moore), Paul Rauch (wife Barbie), Alyson Kreitzman (husband Scott), and Lisa Roth (husband Peter). She was pre-deceased by her sweet grandson Christopher Kreitzman. Her surviving grandchildren include Liam and Xava Rauch-Moore, Jordan Rauch (wife Kate), John and Connor Kreitzman, and Tyler and Bryan Roth. Nancy was delighted to meet and hold her first great-grandchild, Hazel Grace Rauch.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nancy’s honor to the Special Olympics at https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state?ms=google-soi-national&gclid=CjwKCAiAxvGfBhB-EiwAMPakqjyH_2shek1IQKNR3NMS7Qg0nhkwkb_-o8bVRh9fZQKFJjrEEAgpoBoCIOoQAvD_BwE.
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