Elma (Adalis) Pandelios

Elma (Adalis) Pandelios

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. Prior to moving to Erie, Elma and her husband John joined the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and attended with their daughter's family. Elma enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in the religious and cultural activities of the church.

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.

Funeral arrangements and burial in Weirton, WV are being planned. The family wishes to thank Home Instead Senior Care and Regional Hospice and Nursing Care for their compassion and support, and the Orlando Funeral Home for its assistance.

Memorial contributions may be made to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 128,

Weirton, WV 26062, the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, P.O. Box 517, Weirton, WV 26062 or the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 4376 West Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16505.