Rauscher, Glenda

70, of Paradise Valley passed away on March 18, 2017. Glenda was a beloved mother, recent grandmother, sister and wonderful teacher. Glenda was a great friend to all she knew. She was a woman grounded in her Lutheran faith. Glenda was born to Melva and Adolph ’Cap’ Rauscher in St. Louis, Missouri on March 9, 1947. Graduating valedictorian of her class at Parkway High School in Chesterfield, Missouri, Glenda went on to become an outstanding student at Swarthmore College which she maintained close ties to for many years. Later, she earned Masters degrees at Harvard as well as University of New Mexico. In 1976 she moved to Arizona with her husband Warren Laffey. She worked for many years at SRP before becoming a teacher at Xavier College Preparatory where she worked for 20 years. Her enthusiasm for the art of teaching American literature was unrivaled. Glenda enjoyed traveling up until her last days including twice to Europe in 2016 as well as a trip to upstate NY to visit woman’s rights history sites. She was a fan of the National Parks and prided herself in her heavily stamped National Parks Passport. Her love of music led her to direct the Arcadia Music Academy and perform in many choirs including the Washington University Civic Choir, CD Singers, Bach and Madrigal Society and the ASU Choral Union. Glenda will be greatly missed by all of those who are near and dear to her. She is survived by her sons and their spouses Emerson Laffey (Esperanza), Jefferson Laffey (Arlenne), newborn grandson Douglass Allende Laffey, sister Melissa Williams, and brother David Rauscher. Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 26 at 3 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 3641 N. 56th St. in Phoenix. Service will be followed by a reception at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be sent to the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and KBAQ/KJZZ radio stations. In addition, those who would like, can contribute to the go-fund-me campaign to purchase a bench plaque at the Phoenix Zoo in Glenda’s name.