Edna F. Tylinski, 91, of Ford City passed away Sunday in her home.

Born May 16, 1920, in Ford City, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Nellie (Niemczyk) Folcik.

She was a member of the Christ, Prince of Peace Church, Ford City.

Edna was a graduate of Ford City High School and Indiana (Pa.) State Teachers College.

Edna began her professional teaching career in 1941 at Ford City Elementary School, teaching geography and music to fifth graders. She then taught fifth, seventh and eighth grade students in a three-room school in Reesdale, Armstrong County, from 1942 through 1946.

From 1946 until her retirement in 1991, she taught developmental reading to seventh and eighth grade students at Ford City Junior-Senior High School.

Upon retirement, being one of only four people to have achieved the milestone of teaching 50 years in Pennsylvania, she was recognized by the House of Delegates of the Pennsylvania State Education Association as a “True Pennsylvania Hero.” She also received a letter of congratulations from President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.

After retirement, Edna delivered a number of speeches to her fellow educators regarding her career in the profession that she loved.

Edna was a member of the National Education Association, the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Armstrong Education Association. She also was named to the Ford City Hall of Fame.

Edna touched the lives of thousands of children throughout her professional career, to whom she always fondly referred to as “her kids.”

Edna is survived by her husband of 68 years, her honey, Wallace D. Tylinski; her daughter, Lori Tylinski Esq., of Gibsonia; her son, Dr. Donald (Doreen H.) Tylinski of Ford City; two grandchildren, Andrew J. Tylinski and Aleya B. Tylinski, both of Ford City; two nieces, Mrs. Paula Opalka of Butler and Penelope Prebish of Ebensburg; as well as her friend and neighbor, Mary Ann Badura, who gave her comfort, wonderful care and love.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Folcik Evans; and two nephews, Paul Evans and Kermit Evans Jr.

Donny wants to pay tribute to his mom for “making him what he is today.” Lori wants to express her thanks to the “one and only, perfect Mommy.”

<B>TYLINSKI</B> — Friends of Edna F. Tylinski, who died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, will be welcomed by her family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. today in the <B>WELCH FUNERAL HOME</B>, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City. Parting prayers of transfer will be recited in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Thursday followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in the Christ, Prince of Peace Church, with Father Bryan Summers as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Manor Township.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to the Edna F. Tylinski Memorial Fund at S&T Bank, 920 Fifth Ave., Ford City, PA 16226, to be used for the purchase of children’s books to be given to Lenape Elementary School students for their enjoyment in anticipation of their seventh/eighth grade reading class.To send an online condolence to her family, please visit www.welchfh.com.