Elaine Woolston Zapiec

Some people change the world in visible ways. Others change it more quietly, through unwavering love, quiet sacrifice, steadfast resilience, and a lifetime devoted to family. Elaine Woolston Zapiec was one of those people.

Elaine was born on September 25, 1943, in Lester, Pennsylvania, into two proud families whose stories helped shape her own. Her father, William Woolston, came from a long line of Woolstons whose roots stretched back centuries in Leicestershire, England. His father emigrated from the village of Rothley near the turn of the twentieth century, bringing his young family to Pennsylvania in search of new opportunities. Her mother, Olga Fredrickson, was born shortly after her own family immigrated from Göteborg, Sweden, and settled in Braddock near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together, William and Olga built a home grounded in hard work, community, and deep devotion to family, values that Elaine carried throughout her life.

Elaine spent her early years in Lester before moving to Springfield, where the Woolston family would establish lasting roots. She graduated from Springfield High School, surrounded by a close-knit community where her father was active in civic life and her older brother, William "Doc" Woolston Jr., was the neighborhood pharmacist, serving generations of Springfield families.

As an only daughter born thirteen years after her brother, Elaine was doted on by her parents. Her mother introduced her to a lifelong love of music, taking her to see many of the biggest performers of the era, including Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, and Dean Martin. The songs of the 1950s remained the soundtrack of her life, and in her later years they played almost continuously, bringing back cherished memories of her youth.

Although Elaine and Walter Zapiec Jr. grew up just down the street from one another in Springfield, it wasn't until a party in 1964 that they finally met. Whatever took them so long, they made up for lost time. Less than a year later, in August 1965, they were married and began building a life and family together.

They welcomed three children: Kirsten, Stephen, and Jeannine. For many years Elaine devoted herself to raising her family. Some of their happiest memories were spent aboard the family's 1968 Owens cruiser, exploring the Chesapeake Bay together each summer, traveling from harbor to harbor and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

When Walter's health began to decline, Elaine quietly stepped into a new role. She first worked alongside her brother at Woolston Pharmacy before working for Delaware County at Fair Acres, so she could provide health insurance and financial stability for her family. She never viewed these years as sacrifice; they were simply what needed to be done. Her greatest wish was that each of her children would have the opportunity to earn a college education, and through determination, careful planning, and unwavering encouragement, she helped make that dream a reality.

Nothing brought Elaine greater joy than becoming "Nan.” She treasured every opportunity to cheer from the audience at ballet recitals, school plays, concerts, graduations, and life's countless milestones. Sarah, Haley, Krysta, Ella, and Nathan knew they always had a grandmother who delighted in their accomplishments and loved them without reservation.

In 2012, Elaine faced what would become the greatest challenge of her life when she was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. What initially seemed insurmountable became a remarkable story of resilience. Under the care of Dr. John Sprandio and through her own extraordinary determination, Elaine was given fifteen additional years she filled not with fear, but with family. She watched her grandchildren grow into young adults, celebrated their achievements, and continued doing what she had always done best: loving the people around her.

Elaine leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by titles or accomplishments alone. It lives on in her three children, who always knew they were deeply loved; her five grandchildren, who adored their Nan; and the extended family and friends whose lives were made richer by her kindness, perseverance, and quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter S. Zapiec Jr., and is survived by her children, Kirsten Marie Zapiec; Stephen Walter Zapiec and his wife, Rebecca (Smith); Jeannine Leigh Stokes and her husband, Brian Stokes; her grandchildren, Sarah Bernadette Zapiec, Haley Elaine Stokes, Krysta Rebecca Zapiec, Ella Leigh Stokes, and Nathan Brian Stokes; along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and grace.

The story of Elaine Zapiec began generations before her, in small villages in England and Sweden where families dreamed of a better future. Through the life she built, the sacrifices she made, and the love she shared so freely, she honored those dreams every single day.

Family and friends are invited to Elaine’s Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM on Monday, August 31st at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082, followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elaine’s name to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th St, Ste. 609, New York, NY 10036, would be appreciated.