Elaine Schenck

"Loving Mother & Artist" Canton – Elaine Pehota Schenck, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2013 at Silver Bluff Nursing Home. A native of Mayfield, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Mary Telep Pehota. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Samuel Schenck, who died in 1987 and a sister, Lydia Pehota. Elaine and her late husband, Joe Sam, met while he attended law school at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Following his graduation and their marriage, they moved to Haywood County. In the early years of their marriage, she assisted her husband in his law practice. She was employed by Champion Paper & Fiber Company in the human resources department and eventually became the executive secretary for the mill manager. In that capacity, Elaine always dressed professionally and exhibited a high standard for excellence which she passed on to many people. Her last employment was a court reporter for the 30th judicial district in Western North Carolina. She was confirmed in 1954 and became an active member of St. Andrew's on-the-Hill Episcopal Church serving on the Alter Guild and the ECW. Elaine was an accomplished artist with paint and water colors. Additionally, she loved rug hooking and many of her rugs remain treasures to many. Elaine also demonstrated her leadership skills as a Girl Scout leader and she was a former board member at Haywood Community College. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Ellen Schenck of Canton; and one sister. Ansha Ostrowski of Carbondale, Pennsylvania. A memorial service for Elaine will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2013 at St. Andrew's on-the-Hill Episcopal Church with Father Timothy P. McRee officiating. The committal will follow in St. Andrew's Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to St. Andrew's on-the-Hill Episcopal Church, 99 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716 or Haywood Animal Welfare Association, P.O. Box 992, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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