2024-04-22 13:28:43
Elaine Virginia Wetzel Good, 87, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024 at Saint Andrew’s Village.
Elaine was born on April 7, 1937 in Indiana, Pennsylvania to Opal Virginia (Spence) and William Sherwood Wetzel. As a child Elaine lived in Kutztown, Wysox and eventually in the big house at 1010 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA. It was “home”, with her parents, her sister Opal, and four brothers – Perry, Richard, Paul and Gerald. As the next youngest, she was the beloved baby sister, and the endless stories of adventures with four brothers gave rise to extensive family lore! Elaine attended Thaddeus Stevens School with many who would become lifelong friends. In high school she was involved in the Sendracs Theater productions, and as a senior she received the Danforth Foundations Award for Outstanding Leadership in Religious Activities.
Elaine graduated from Indiana Joint High School in 1955 and entered Indiana State Teachers College. During those years, while singing in the choir at Calvary Presbyterian Church, she met the young man who would become her husband, Sherman Eugene Good. Their courtship continued when Elaine transferred to the University of Pittsburgh for her Nursing degree. On June 6, 1958, she and Sherman were married and settled in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to begin their new life together. Commuting between home and Pittsburgh, Elaine graduated from Pitt with her BSN degree in 1961. While raising her family, she worked as a staff nurse and Nurse Instructor in Midwifery, and also found time to be active in her community and church for the eight years they lived in Latrobe. Before long, Elaine and Sherm felt the pull to move back to Indiana where they built “the house on the hill.”
While continuing to work part-time, Elaine completed additional graduate credits, and in 1971 her career shifted to the Indiana Area School District as an Elementary School Nurse. She traveled between Eisenhower, Horace Mann and Ben Franklin Elementary Schools, eventually moving to full-time Junior High School Nurse. Elaine was a listening ear and a “mom away from mom” to countless students throughout her career. She was known to offer the choice of “green stingy stuff” or “soft white cream” as a remedy for boo-boo, topped off with a painted betadine smiley face on hand. She offered a lie down and a BiSoDoL ment for stomach aches; a shower, extra clothes and a hug for those in need; and gave older students opportunities to help her during study halls. She was much loved throughout her long career as she offered advice and friendship to students and faculty.
During these years of career and family cultivation, the house on Oberweg was a hub for togetherness: hosting church group fellowship nights and family reunions, sleigh rides and birthday parties, volleyball, and homemade ice cream gatherings, traveling student musicians and camp counselors. Elaine was always ready to open her home and set another place at the table.
Over the years, Elaine spent summer months as a camp nurse at SB2W Resident Camp in Boswell, PA and served as camp director for SB2W at Graystone Church. She also spent several years as Graystone’s Wedding Coordinator and was a member of the Stephen’s Ministry team. She enjoyed her Creative Memories business and was a successful unit leader, running numerous workshops and classes and encouraging those who came to “get those photos in an album!” She was active in the Indiana Garden Club, eventually serving as vice president and president. Year following year, Elaine showcased her talents at the Indiana County Fair, winning accolades for sewing and knitting projects, pies, breads and canned goods.
In addition to growing blueberry bushes and flower gardens, scrapbooking and volunteering, Elaine loved the thrill of an auction. Sit back, ready to raise her bid number in a flash to close the deal – it was her outlet for collecting beautiful crockery and glassware, antique furniture and antique dolls and collectibles. Elaine loved history and loved passing down stories from one generation to the next. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution with her sister Opal, and a staunch supporter of the Indiana Civil War Wildcat Regiment band. As her dementia progressed in her final years, Elaine was characterized by gratitude. She continued to sing the old hymn “Precious Lord, lead me home” and then the singing turned to humming, and the humming turned to sleep. Now she is at home!
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, and sorrow and crying and pain will be no more, because the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Elaine is survived by her husband Sherman, four children: Kimberly Ibarra of Lancaster, PA, Larry Good (Vonnie) of Dallas, OR, Jennifer Hanson (Peter) of Lake Stevens, WA, Rochelle Calvetti (Greg) of Mt. Lebanon, PA , and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Opal Stockwell and three brothers: Richard, Paul and Gerald. She was preceded in death by her father (William), mother (Opal), brother (Billy), sister (Margaret) and brother (Perry.)
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 25th and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 26th at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Graystone Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 27th at 4:00 PM with visitation beginning at 3:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Graystone Presbyterian Church Women’s Ministry.
Please visit www.bowserminich.com to share your condolences and memories with the family.
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