Mary Joan Zellers Elkin, of Jeannette, passed away quietly Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in Allegheny General Hospital, after a severe stroke, at the age of 81. Mary was born Oct. 10, 1940, in Mt. Pleasant, to Eugene Bernard Zellers and Regina Winifred Steindel Zellers. Mary was a 1958 graduate of Scottdale High School, graduating with honors. She worked briefly as a beautician in 1959, and then attended Seton Hill College in Greensburg, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1964, graduating with honors. She earned her teaching certificate and taught as both a full-time and substitute teacher for 35 years, mostly in Hempfield School District. She married Kenneth Richard Elkin, of Irwin, on Dec. 28, 1964, and gave birth to one child, a son, Kirk Kenneth Elkin, on May 18, 1966. Mary had a positive influence on many of the students who she taught over her 35-year tenure as a teacher and would often receive offers of gratitude from former students. Mary had a passion for learning and was an avid reader of both novels and periodicals. She continued her education throughout her life by taking classes in linguistics and other subjects. Mary was an accomplished dancer and regularly line danced for more than 25 years and was still dancing at age 81. She was very interested in health and fitness and studied and coached her friends and family. Walking was another of Mary's passions, as she loved to be outside and close to nature. She was a member of the Lincoln Heights Civic Center and was very engaged with her neighbors. She was a respected member of the Lincoln Heights community. Mary truly lived by the principle of "do unto others" and she always showed concern for her friends and family and often even strangers. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; as well as her sister, Madonna Ann Zellers Shedlock; and brother-in-law, Ernest Shedlock. She is survived by her son, Kirk K. Elkin; granddaughter, Lucy Claire Elkin; grandson, Henry Edward Elkin; niece, Erika Shedlock; brother and sister-in-law, Robert V. Cynthia Elkin, of Warren, Mich.; and close friend, Mark Comunale, of Turtle Creek. Mary was considered by many to be an "angel on earth" and her friends and family wish her peace and contentment for eternity. She will be missed by many. Services will be provided by ROBERT B.FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME in Scottdale. Viewing and visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. Funeral services, including a short blessing service, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at Ferguson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Father Elmer Alforque officiating. A tribute celebration will be held at a later date for close family, friends and neighbors. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Scottdale Public Library. Love Lasts Forever!