Elayne M. Vasvari 1938-2025

Born July 1, 1938, to Andrew and Mary Bednarik Sokol, she grew up in Campbell.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Known for her energy and outgoing nature, Elayne was captain of the cheerleading squad and head majorette at Struthers High School, from which she graduated in 1955.

After high school, she worked in the administrative offices of Youngstown Sheet and Tube before dedicating her time to becoming a mother and homemaker.

She married Raymond Vasvari on Sept. 10, 1960. Both were longtime parishioners at St. Nicholas Church and later Holy Trinity, where they served as members of the parish council. Together, they enjoyed traveling and socializing with friends, whom they often welcomed into their home. She often stated that Williamsburg, Virginia, was one of her favorite travel destinations and adored its colonial beauty.

She frequently hosted holiday gatherings for her family. Guests could expect a well-laid table, generous gifts and festive seasonal decor. Her famous stuffed cabbages were the highlight of every holiday meal.

Elayne had an eye for beauty. She was admired for her looks and had a keen sense of fashion. During the ’60s, she proudly modeled maternity clothing for McKelvey’s in Youngstown. She was a gifted decorator, and her home was a vibrant testament to her sense of color, style and charm.

Her hobbies included watching classic films, playing Scrabble and cards, gardening and league bowling at the Holiday Bowl. She enjoyed musicals, with “Phantom of the Opera” being her favorite. Over the years, she traveled to see the touring production in several major cities. She and Ray also loved to try their luck at the slots; Elayne was quite lucky! She loved visiting the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls. She was a lifelong fan of Cleveland baseball. Elayne was an immense animal lover who opened her heart and home to many animals in need.

Above all, Elayne loved her family. She took great pride in their achievements, boasting about her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She took particular pride in the education of her children and grandchildren, and their spouses. She never shrank from offering an honest opinion. She had a great sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marion Mazzupappa; her brother, Richard Sokol; and an infant son, Andrew.

She is survived by her husband; son, Raymond Vasvari Jr. (K. Ann Zimmerman); daughter, Wendy Whetstone; grandchildren, Samantha (Martin) DeVita, William “Alex” Whetstone and Sarah Vasvari; great-granddaughter, Scarlett DeVita; and a second great-grandaughter she was very excited to meet, due in June.

Her surviving family is grateful to have spent time with her prior to her passing.

The family would like to express gratitude to the MICU nursing staff of St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital for their compassionate care of Elayne.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angels for Animals.

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