Elaine’s Adult Life
Mom went for her B.A. from University of Pittsburgh once David was in school. She was active as a volunteer at the Methodist church and the Morningside Elementary School PTA while juggling children and school work. When they were married so young, Peg insisted that at some point, Elaine would need to go to college. She would also get her Masters from Pitt.
1964, Article in East Liberty Tribune. Typical of 60s, you’d never know her name is Elaine.
1980, Elaine as an English teacher at Oliver High School, where she spent her entire career.
45 years old
1987: head of English department at Oliver High School. She would often be assigned to handle the “problem” kid due to her ability to combine discipline and respect.
1988: Oliver High School
We have memories of Mom grading papers well into the night, pen in hand, sometimes catching a few winks before knocking off late. She said, half seriously, that she should have been a gym or typing teacher so she’d have fewer papers to grade. She was proud to be a teacher and loved (well, maybe with a few exceptions) her students. At home, there were always books, newspapers and magazines in the family room; we were — and are— a family of readers. We have our parents to thank for that.
Jesse, a Keeshond, arrives. She lived almost 11 years and was the last of their dogs after Wimpy (our wonderful childhood golden retriever/? mutt), Aleut and Kamchatka (sibling Siberian Huskies who lived in the back yard forever plotting their escape). They also, reluctantly, had a Siamese cat, Missy, which supposedly belonged to me. As a child, Ted doted on Patsy, a small light-colored dog.
Elaine’s major hobby was bowling. And she was excellent - better than Ted - sometimes bowling a perfect game. She belonged for years to women’s leagues “Monday Nite Miracles” and Wednesday’s “Pinchoppers.” (Flora belonged to the Wednesday league.) She only gave up bowling when her bowling thumb got too arthritic.
Elaine and Flora Ann Clark Turton, who died in 2018 at age 80. Aunt Flora worked for 35 years at the Paper Craft factory in Blawnox, PA and, after “retirement,” in food service and as a personal caretaker. A true sweetheart, she was mother to Linda (deceased), Mary Jo, Lora Le and William “Billy.”