Elizabeth Jane Sainovich

Elizabeth Jane (Edmiston) Sainovich, 87, passed away peacefully of old age in the arms of her loving daughter on February 4, 2021.

She was born March 6, 1933, in Dixonville, Ohio, to the late Clyde and Dorothy (Nelson) Edmiston. She was the middle child of five siblings and fondly referred to as “Betty Jane” most of her life.

Betty was a tomboy that grew into a teenage that loved bows and lace.

Elizabeth became the soloist at the Four Mile Presbyterian Church and sang for many weddings and funerals.

She attended Midland High School where she met her future husband, Eli Sainovich. They attended dances at the Fairview Grange and continued to date on and off during the Korean Conflict.

While Eli was in the Army, Elizabeth attended I.U.P. to become a teacher. This is where she met her college roommate and life long friend; Eugenia (Jeannie) Kalamas. Their friendship lasted for decades until Jeannie’s passing last year.

On June 23, 1956, Elizabeth was married to Eli in a beautiful lace gown. They had the first Saturday wedding at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Midland, Pennsylvania with 1,000 people in attendance.

They had a wonderful life together. Eli would call her the “First Lady” of Ohioville Borough when he became mayor.

They loved attending Polka Parties, and dancing with their musician friends.

Elizabeth had two children whom she is survived by, son, Myron Rudy (Nadine) Sainovich; and daughter, Sherry Elizabeth Sainovich (Lawrence “Butch”) Slem.

After having her children, she attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her Master’s Degree in Library Science.

When she began her teaching career, it was in a one room school house. Elizabeth went on to retire from the Western Beaver School after 38 years.

She was a hard worker, from driving the tractor on the farm, to canning and cooking. She was known for the beautiful cookies she baked.

Elizabeth was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and caregiver to her mother-in-law, Nancy Sainovich. She was a loving “Baba” to her grandchildren and their spouses, Courtney Sainovich (Chris) James, and Nathan (Kristin) Sainovich. Also, a special great aunt Betty to her grandniece, Heather Edmiston Pico.

She was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star, a life member of the Highland VFW Auxiliary, a member of the Dr. Laza Kostich Choir, a member of the Saint George Orthodox Church, a past officer of the United Musicians Polka Association of Pennsylvania and a PSEA member.

Friends will be received on Monday February 8, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the NOLL FUNERAL HOME INC, 333 THIRD STREET, BEAVER PA 15009. A funeral service will be held on February 9, 2021 at Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10 ^th Street, Midland PA 15059 at 11:00am. A OES Woodlawn #164  service will be conducted at the funeral home, Monday at 7pm, and a Pomen service will be held at the funeral home, Monday at 7:30pm.

Memorial donations may be made in Elizabeth’s name to Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10 ^th Street, Midland PA 15059