Obituary of Gillian D. Rattray

Gillian D. Rattray, 83, of State College, died Thursday, December 21, 2017, at The Village at Penn State. Born September 30, 1934 in North Yorkshire, England, she was the daughter of Thomas William and Nelle Lena Charlesworth Rattray. Gillian was predeceased by her brother, William Rattray, and dear friend Mary Jo Haverbeck. She is survived by a sister, Suzanne Dunkley, 5 nieces and nephews; James, Anna, and Sarah Dunkley, Andrew and Emily Rattray. Gillian was a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, earning a Master's degree in Education. She was the head coach of the Penn State field hockey program from 1974 until 1986 and women's lacrosse team from 1974 until 1985. She led the programs to a combined, five national championships. In 1980 Gillian lead her teams to two national championships, the women's lacrosse team in May and the field hockey team in November; for this accomplishment, she is a Guinness book of Sports Records holder. Combining both teams' statistics, Gillian held a career record of 319-68-24. She also led both squads to their first national championships. Gillian was inducted into the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2005. She was inducted into the Pennsylvania Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2007. In October of 2017, Gillian was awarded a plaque at the U.S. Lacrosse Headquarters during a special U.S. Lacrosse Trailblazers dedication in Princeton, N.J., being one of eleven former collegiate coached honored. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. A Celebration of Life service for Gillian will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church at 11:00am on Friday January 26, 2018 with a reception to follow at the church, 208 West Foster Ave., State College, PA. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.