Elaine A. Wallace 1928-2025

Born April 6, 1928, in Warren, to Anthony and Lena Guarnieri Rossi, Elaine’s journey in life encompassed a rewarding career, devoted community service, steadfast faith and boundless love for her family — a life she aptly described as “very lucky” in her final months.

Elaine attended St. Mary’s grade school and went on to graduate from Villa Maria High School in 1946.

Upon graduating from Villa Maria, Elaine began working in the recorder’s office at the Trumbull County Courthouse. Her 15 years spent at the courthouse ultimately sparked a lifelong interest in politics and a passion for her community, which blossomed for decades to follow.

After leaving the courthouse, Elaine opened and operated The Mare-Lane Hostess Shoppe with her sister, Mary Louise, for nearly 10 years. She particularly enjoyed traveling the Midwest with Mare to stock their Elm Road storefront each year.

This entrepreneurial spirit never waned for Elaine, as she held garage sales at her home for a multitude of summers later in her life.

In 1954, she gave birth to her first son, David Saylor, who was born with severe intellectual disabilities. This inspired Elaine, leading her to become a passionate advocate for the developmentally-challenged community. Around this time, she took a leading role in the efforts to secure funding for what would become Fairhaven School as the levy committee chairperson. It was during this period of advocacy that she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth R. Wallace.

Elaine shared 42 years of marriage with Ken. Together, they lovingly raised two children, Ken II and Aliza. As a parent, Elaine continued to be active in her community, serving in the Fowler-Vienna PTA and later, when appointed, to the Vienna Zoning Board in 1983, a position she held for almost 27 years. Over the decades, Elaine became a staunch proponent of public education, tirelessly supporting each and every tax levy benefiting the Mathews Local School District.

As Elaine grew older, she became “Nana” to five grandchildren, Tyler, Christian and Sean McVicker, and Kenny III and Lena Wallace — all of whom she loved dearly. Nothing brought her greater joy than taking pride in their accomplishments, saving every newspaper clipping mentioning their names and always finding gentle ways to “boast” about their academic, musical and athletic abilities.

Throughout her final years, Elaine remained full of wit and strong opinions, and as an ardent conversationalist, was always ready to discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers or the latest election. The latter topic encompassed one of Elaine’s most impressive feats — upon registering to vote in 1965, she never missed an election the rest of her life, casting her final ballot for this November’s election just days before her passing. As a former poll worker, it is fitting that she will be laid to rest on Election Day.

Beyond her personal interests, Elaine always sought to emulate her beloved Uncle Lewis Guarnieri each day by caring for those less fortunate and loving her friends and family deeply — a calling to which she most certainly fulfilled.

Elaine was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Louise Rossi Rose; brother, Eugene E. Rossi; her son, David; and husband, Dr. Kenneth R. Wallace.

She is survived by her brother, Atty. Anthony G. Rossi II (Marilyn) of Warren; son, Dr. Kenneth R. Wallace II (Dr. Kathleen) of Vienna; daughter, Aliza M. Prokop (Michael), also of Vienna; and grandchildren, Kenneth R. III and Lena Wallace, and Tyler (Electra), Christian and Sean McVicker.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Elaine 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren.

Additional calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. Mary Church, 232 Seneca Ave. NE, Warren, OH 44481.

A funeral Mass will follow 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Ed Stafford presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Elaine’s name to Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, vmesc.org; or the Warren Family Mission, warrenfamilymission.org.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the Wallace family.

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