Elma A. Pandelios

ELMA (ADALIS) PANDELIOS - NATIVE WEIRTONIAN AND EDUCATOR Elma A. Pandelios, formerly of Weirton, WV, passed away at home in Erie, PA surrounded by family on December 20, 2014. Elma was born on April 2, 1921, in Weirton, the daughter of the late Constantine (Gus) Adalis and Stella (Thomas) Adalis. Elma was preceded in death by her husband of over 64 years, John G. Pandelios on December 3, 2014, and a sister, Dr. Dorothy (Adalis) Korsgaard of Muncie, IN in 2005. Elma is survived by her son George and his wife Judith (Cagno) Pandelios and their children John and Mark of Hummelstown, PA., and her daughter Dorothy and her husband Kevin Cooney and their children Daniel and Katherine of Erie, PA. During her teens, Elma played classical guitar in the Gerrero String Quintet and was an active and successful member of the Weir High School Debate team. She began her college education at West Liberty State College, where she was employed as secretary to the college president. Elma graduated from West Virginia University with degrees in English and Business Administration. She earned an MBA in Statistics and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. Elma was an English and Business Education teacher at Weir High School for over 31 years. Her students participated in the National Scholastic Art and Writing Award Competitions, earning multiple first place awards in essay and poetry during her tenure. She was a life member of the National Education Association, the West Virginia Educational Association, the Hancock County Educational Association, and the National Council of Teachers of English. Elma was one of the organizers of the Weirton Business and Professional Women's Club. Although Elma was an accomplished educator, her passion was her family. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother who's greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Elma was an accomplished couture sewer who used her talents to sew professional quality clothes for her children and herself, from prom gowns to suits and even a faux fur coat. She fashioned beautiful draperies and window coverings, seat cushions, and table dressings to decorate her home. In an effort to find others who loved to sew, she founded the Weirton Neighborhood Group of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Sewing Guild and later joined the North Coast Sewing Guild in Erie, PA. She enjoyed sharing her talents and learning from others. As a lifelong member of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, she sang in the Choir, served as past president of the Philoptochos Society, and vice president of the Paleo Focean Society. She also participated in the All Saints Senior Citizens, Daughters of Penelope, Agia Markella Society, and Asia Minor Hellenic American Society. Elma believed in civic responsibility to her community. She served as a West Virginia state board member of Common Cause. She was a life member of the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, and served as Assistant Treasurer of the Weir Cove A.A.R.P. Chapter. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1-3 and 6-8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main St., Weirton, WV where Trisagion services will be held at 7:30 PM. Additional visitation will be held 10 AM until time of the funeral services at 11 AM Monday at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Weirton. The Reverend Father Frank A. Milanese will preside. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton. Memorial contributions may be made to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 128, Weirton, WV 26062 or the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, P.O. Box 517, Weirton, WV 26062. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219