Elaine L.Kovalak;51;of 170 Sweeney Circle Drive;Belle Vernon (Rostraver Township);died Tuesday;Sept.28;1999;at her residence. She was born April 23;1948;in North Chawrleroi;a daughter of Steve and Louise Cecconi Ostonich of Donora. Mrs.Kovalak was a life-long resident of the Mon Valley. She was a member of St.Sebastian Roman Catholic Church of
Belle Vernon. She received her
bachelor’s degree from Point
Park College; and her master’s
degree in secondary education
from Duquesne University;
where she was a member of the
Alumni Club. She attended
Wickhaven College for one year.
Mrs. Kovalak was a dedicated
member and supporter of
Catholic education and was a
colleague of St. John the Baptist
Roman Catholic School in Scottdale for 29 years. Teaching language arts at the middle school
grades 5-8; Mrs. Kovalak was
also the 8th grade homeroom
teacher and mentor for new
teachers as a member of the
school induction team and organized the PTG at the school.
She was also a member of the
student support team; coordinator of Red Ribbon week activities and was designer of the
school yearbook. She was a
member of Who’s Who of American Catholic Educators; an
honor that was given to her several times; and was also a member of the National Catholic
Education Association. Elaine
Kovalak was a recipient of the
Gift of Time Award for being an
excellent and effective teacher.
Teachers are nominated for this
award by their peers; students
or parents of students. In addition to her parents; she is survived by her husband; Michael
Kovalak of Belle Vernon; to
whom she was married 28 years on Aug.7;1999. She was godmother to two nieces;Kathy and Kristy Kowalchick of Gaithersburg;Md.;and the godmother of Justin and Patrick Wells. Visitation will be held Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.at the LEONARD J.PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME;626 Broad Ave.;Belle Vernon. Prayer service will be held 10 a.m.Saturday at the funeral home;followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.in St.Sebastian Roman Catholic Church;Belle Vernon;with the Rev.John R. Cindric;V.F.;pastor;officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The Legion of Mary will recite the Rosary Friday at 3 p.m.in the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic School;Scottdale;Scholarship Fund;or to the Susan G.Koman Foundation for Brest Cancer in memory of Elaine Kovalak.