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Mary Ellen Elko

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 03, 2026

Mary Ellen Elko, age 88, of McKeesport, died January 31, 2026, at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport. Born December 23, 1937, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Richard P. and Erda (Stiddard) Reed, sister of the late Harry Reed, and the wife of the late Albert Elko.

Mary worked for Bell Telephone prior to her marriage, and then held positions in various service and health-related organizations before retiring from her role as an administrator for Senior Care Associates, where she impacted the lives of many senior residents and her work colleagues. Her commitment to service extended beyond the workplace; she was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish at Corpus Christi Church and a former member of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church. She was also very active in St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Grade School where she served as Secretary of the Parent-Teacher Association during her children's attendance there. During her husband's tenure as McKeesport's Mayor, city treasurer, and councilman, she served as an officer and member of various community organizations.

Mary Ellen devoted her life to family, friends, and the community. She cherished family gatherings, planning and hosting family get-togethers for every occasion, and taking her children and their friends on summer vacations. Among her many adventures, Mary Ellen especially cherished her trip to Ireland, where she embraced the beauty of the land and the richness of its culture. Mary Ellen was an avid reader throughout her life, enjoyed movies and television shows - especially mysteries - and liked to play cards with her children, grandchildren, and friends.

She is survived by her children, Debbie (Donald) Socrates, of McKeesport, Albert John "AJ" (Shauna) Elko, of Lexington, KY, Michael Richard (Shadi) Elko, of West Homestead, Beth Anne (Camilla) Elko, of Sewickley, Nicholas Thomas Elko, of Lexington, KY; grandchildren, Thom "TJ" Betz, Michael Betz, Gabrielle Socrates, Albert Jr., Marissa Elko Bray, Thor, Wolf, and Alexis Gmuca; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Gabriel, Grayson, Gideon, Brody, Beckett, Vincent, Anthony, Nora, Dominic, Eleanor, Rocky, Jazzlyn, Javion and Journee.

Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, February 5, 2026,from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 2 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at Mary Mother of God Parish, Corpus Christi Church, at 10 a.m.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate
Charles Danforth, Supervisor

Originally published February 03, 2026.

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