Gloria Wasilewski

Mrs. Gloria Wasilewski, 81, of Fairview Drive in Ellwood City, passed away at Kindred Care in the Beaver Medical Center on Friday, November 15, 2013 surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Wasilewski was born January 12, 1932 in Warren, Ohio, to the late Thomas and Geraldine Rose Ben. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School and Westminster College, where she obtained her degree in communications. Gloria (or “Mrs. Waz” to most students) began her teaching career at Beaver Falls High School in 1953, and in 2004 retired from Riverside High School following 51 wonderful years of teaching.

During her tenure, Gloria, a communications teacher, initiated a Forensics club and a debate team, assumed the role of cheer leading sponsor, directed countless musicals, and made a positive impact on thousands of students.

Gloria was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Ellwood City where she was a member of the choir, Hazel Adams Scholarship committee, the quilting group, and various other positions throughout the years. She also had a passion for travel, exploring dozens of countries and every continent except Antarctica.

Other activities that she enjoyed include reading, writing, attending musicals and plays, spending her winters in Florida, and in particular, traveling and spending time with her loving family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Wasilewski in 1996, and a sister, Betty Jo Cummings in 1976.

She is survived by her three daughters, Jody (and Dean) McCracken of Tampa, FL, Pepi (and Barry) Baker of Grove City, Tanya (and Bruce) Bellissimo of Ellwood City; one son, Geno Wasilewski of Golden, CO; ten grandchildren, Gemma, Gino and Nico Bellissimo, Brooke (and Candace) Hatcher, Stephanie (and Leone) Siliga, Kevin Baker, Michael and Kylie McCracken, Chelsea and Gena Wasilewski; one great granddaughter, Leila Siliga; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

A private viewing will be held for the family at the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, November 23 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Fifth Street and Crescent Ave, across from Lincoln High School.

In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the “Gloria Wasilewski Scholarship Fund,” a trust fund to be established for high school seniors planning to major in education. Donations can be sent to 110 Fairview Dr., Ellwood City, PA 16117. Or, donations can be made for the United Methodist Women at the First United Methodist Church in Ellwood City.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.