Elaine Catherine Vilscek

Elaine Catherine Vilscek, age 87, of Greeley, Colorado, passed from this Life to Eternal Life on September 2, 2023 at North Colorado Medical Center in the presence of family. Elaine was born to John and Christine Yanos Vilscek on December 6, 1935 at French Catholic Hospital in New York City, New York and grew up in Pennsylvania with her family as her parents had returned to their home state.

Elaine graduated from the 8th grade of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Leckrone, P.A., and German Township High School in McClelland Town, P.A. She continued her education at California State University, California, P.A. and completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Her graduate education included the acquisition of a Master’s Degree in Elementary Reading instruction at Pennsylvania State University, State College, P.A., and Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Elementary Education and Reading Instruction at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, P.A.

To become a teacher was the professional goal she pursued and achieved over the 45 years of teaching. She began teaching elementary grade pupils in the Mt. Lebanon School District, Mt. Lebanon, P.A., and the University of Pittsburgh Folk Laboratory School. Her teaching career continued as an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education and Reading Instruction at the University of Pittsburgh, an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin and as a Professor of Elementary Education and Reading Instruction at the University of Northern Colorado, where she retired as Professor Emeritus.

Elaine's professional activities included authorship and publication of professional articles, chapters in textbooks, and co-authorship on a National/International Teaching of Reading Program for Elementary Grade Teachers and their Pupils. In addition, she was a funded researcher of the teaching of young pupils to read. At Local, State, National and International Levels, she was an invited speaker. Dr. Vilscek was a former member of numerous professional associations and current member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Education Society, University of Pittsburgh, P.A. Alumni Association, California University of P.A. Alumni Association, University of Northern Colorado Retired Faculty Associations, and Friends of UNC Libraries.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Dr. Christina (Mark) Vessely, son, Dr. John (Kat) Wolfe; grandchildren, Tanner and Elsa Vessely and Jack and Peter Wolfe; and nephew Robert Vilscek. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Robert Vilscek and nephew Paul Vilscek.

Elaine was a former member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Leckrone, P.A. and current member of St. Mary’s and St. Peter Catholic Churches in Greeley, CO. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 11:30 am with the Rosary preceding the Mass. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the church services and the reception of friends and family at Kenny’s Steak House. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or a charity of choice.

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