Obituary of Elaine Wicks

Elaine G. Wicks, 92, of Boalsburg, died Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at the Fairways of Brookline, State College. She was born July 4, 1921 to William C. and Estella F. Smith Gardiner in Providence, Rhode Island. On February 12, 1944, she married Alfred Wicks Jr., who preceded her in death on May 14, 1994. She is survived by one daughter, Janice W. Engelder and her husband, Terry, of Boalsburg; three grandchildren, Zoe Elrick, Stacey Engelder and Todd Engelder; two great-grandchildren, Kelvin and Haley Elrick. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her twin brother William Gardiner. Elaine was a 1939 graduate of Olney High School, Philadelphia and attended Strayers Business School before working at Henry Disston & Sons, Inc., manufacturer of metal cutting saws. Elaine and her husband lived in Springfield, PA, where Alfred worked at Westinghouse in Lester, PA. Later she worked as a bookkeeper for Vogt, Inc., a broker of lard. Elaine and Alfred moved to State College following his retirement from Westinghouse. Elaine became a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist in State College. She enjoyed serving on various church committees and in elected positions in both the State College and Swarthmore branch churches. The family wishes to thank the staffs of The Terrace and The Fairways of Brookline, State College, for their loving care of their mother and grandmother. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 617 East Hamilton Avenue, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.