Elaine M. Hildreth

Elaine M. Kasprzyk Hildreth, of Youngstown, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was 76.

Born on September 12, 1949 in Buffalo, NY, Elaine was the daughter of the late John A. and Evelyn E. (nee Reeder) Schlueter. She was a proud graduate of Iroquois Central High School, Class of 1967. Elaine went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Buffalo State College, beginning a lifelong devotion to education.

Elaine taught for 34 years at Huth Road Elementary School on Grand Island, NY, where she touched countless young lives with her kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication. She was honored five times in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and twice received the Grand Island School District’s Celebration of Inspiration Award. A gifted mentor, Elaine served as a cooperating teacher for many student teachers, including Jennifer Corbette Centola and Tanya Gallagher, both of whom she remained especially proud.

Beyond the classroom, Elaine’s heart belonged to Old Fort Niagara. She often said it was “her favorite place on the planet.” While still teaching, she volunteered during summers and special events. After retiring, she became a tour guide, a trainer of new guides, and a steadfast volunteer for programs and reenactments. In 2014, she was named Old Fort Niagara’s Volunteer of the Year, an honor that reflected her passion for history and her deep commitment to the site she loved.

Elaine also gave generously of her time to her community. Beginning in 2005, she volunteered at the Care-and-Share Food Pantry in Ransomville and at the Youngstown Free Library, offering quiet support wherever it was needed.

Her interests were many and heartfelt: reading about history, gardening, golfing, and practicing crewel embroidery. She was also a devoted Buffalo Bills fan and proud member of the Bills Mafia. Some of her happiest moments were spent with her sons, Matt and Jake, who made it a cherished tradition to take her to a Bills game each year for her birthday.

Elaine married her beloved husband, James George Hildreth, in June of 2007. Together they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual devotion.

Elaine is survived by her husband, James; her loving sons, Matthew J. Kasprzyk and Jacob P. (Andrea) Kasprzyk; her step-son, James K. (Heidi) Hildreth; and her cherished grandchildren, Lukas, Ethan, Claire and Andrew; dear sisters, Loraine “Lory” Grahner and Michele (Jeffrey) Thompson; her adored nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Paul) Morrow, Andrew (Kate) Meginley, Christopher Danner, and Charles Danner; also survived by her former husband, Martin Kasprzyk and other step-children and their families.

The family will be present to receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 401 Ridge Street, Lewiston, where Word’s of Remembrance will follow at 7 PM.

If desired, memorials may be made in Elaine’s honor to the Old Fort Niagara Association Fund.

Please share condolences at HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com.