Obituary of Elaine Johnston

Elaine Costanzo Johnston Elaine Costanzo Johnston, age 85, of Erie, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 1012 in Tampa, FL. She was born in Erie on May 1, 1926, the daughter of the late John and Mary Costanzo. Elaine was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, James S. Johnston, whom she married on July 9, 1949, her infant daughter, Marilyn Ann, her brother, Jack Costanzo, and her sister, Marilyn Costanzo Ziegler. Elaine graduated from Strong Vincent High School and became a stenographer at Hammermill Paper Company. One of her proudest accomplishments there was her typing abilities (104 words per minute on a manual typewriter!). Elaine was a homemaker for many years after the birth of her children. She returned to the workforce as a sales clerk at Royal Lady Maternity Shop and then began working at the Millcreek School District in 1972. She was secretary to the Millcreek Intermediate and McDowell High School principals and then worked as the Personnel Secretary at the Millcreek Education Center until her retirement in 1993. Elaine was an active member of the PASR and St. Jude's Catholic Church. Elaine also manned election polls at West Lake Fire Dept. for many years. She treasured the life-long friendships she made through her work and retirement activities. Elaine is survived by her daughters: Mary Lou Love (Chip) of Erie, Judy Scroggs (Steve), of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Peggy Shaffer (Scott) of Lutz, FL, her sons: Jim Johnston (Neva) of Plant City, FL, Tom Johnston (Diane) of Libertyville, IL, Dan Johnston (Jill) of Morgantown, WV. Elaine is also survived by thirteen grandchildren of whom she was very proud: Dawn, Daniel, Suzanne, James, Rachel, Kyle, Haley, Patrick, Heather, Holly, Chip, Jessie, and Ryan, fourteen great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Her family was most important to her and we will always treasure her memory. A memorial service will be held in Florida for the family and friends in the area. A memorial service in Elaine's honor will be held in Erie at a later date, under the direction of the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Millcreek Association of Educational Secretaries (MAES) Scholarship Fund at McDowell Guidance Office/MAES, 3850 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16506. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video