Elaine Cray
ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP Elaine Cray, 72, of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Forbes Hospital. Elaine was a graduate of Calif ornia University of Pennsylv ania and a recently retired teacher from the Elizabeth Forward School District, where she spent most of her time in the third-grade classroom at William Penn Elementary School. In addition to Elizabeth Forward, she created the preschool program at Port Vue United Methodist Church, where she was a former preschool teacher. Elaine was a woman of deep faith, which she modeled and shared with those who met her. She was currently attending Park Baptist Church in Versailles and was previously an active member of Central Highlands United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Township, serving as its Christian education director for several years. Elaine was a passionate fan of the Beatles, and attended their 1964 show at the Civic Arena at the age of 13. She also loved Barry Manilow. She enjoyed Hallmark movies, reading biographies and completing puzzles in her cozy little “she shack” off the side of the kitchen. Elaine was a great friend and mother. She was the first many called to share news. She loved shopping with her best friend Kathy and her grandkids. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She looked forward to meeting friends for lunch now that she was retired. She and her husband John loved to go out and hear live music or grab the grandkids for dinner. She was active in restarting the Sunday School program at Park Baptist, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels in Elizabeth Forward and the coordinator of the Bryan Hoover Scholarship Fund. Born Nov. 12, 1951, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Arthur G. and Anna Margaret (Kovaly) Street. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Cray; daughters, Kelly (Edward) Makay of North Huntingdon and Erin (Stephen) Pizzo of Fairview; son, Patrick (Loan) Cray of Fairbanks, Alaska; grandchildren, Kylie, Michael, Samuel, Ella, Patrick and Callum; brother, Ray (Kathy) Street of North Huntingdon; sister, Sherri (Paul) Harrington of Plymouth, N.C.; stepbrothers, Kevin Kirkman of Daytona, Fla., and Vaughn (Peggy) Kirkman of Lower Burrell; along with nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jeff Street; and stepmother, Jan Street. Friends were received at PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 North Second Ave., Elizabeth, from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2024 and will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rudy Mayak officiating. Everyone please meet at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Baptist Church, 749 Center St., McKeesport, PA 15132 or Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome. com.
