Grace K. Wilson; Retired Teacher

Grace K. Wilson, who taught kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School in La Crescenta for 26 years, has died at her La Crescenta residence. She was 78.

Mrs. Wilson died Friday of heart failure, her son, Robert Wilson said.

Born in Tangsi, China, she came to the United States as a child. She received a bachelor’s degree from Wooster College in Ohio and a master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College in New York.

She moved to La Crescenta in 1943 and began teaching kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School in 1948, continuing until her retirement in 1974.

Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Glendale Teachers Assn., serving as president in 1971-72.

She was a longtime member of the Glendale branch of the American Assn. of University Women and the Griffith Park Hills Republican Assn.

After her retirement, she joined the Glendale Retired Teachers Assn., serving as president from 1986-88 and most recently as legislative committee chairwoman.

Mrs. Wilson worked as a volunteer aide at Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale for the past 16 years.

She is survived by her son, Robert Wilson of La Crescenta; daughter Nancy Ellyson of Vernon Hills, Ill.; and four grandchildren. Her husband of 50 years, John L. Wilson, died in 1988.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave., where she was a longtime member.

A graveside service will follow at 2:45 p.m. Thursday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale.

Donations can be made in Mrs. Wilson’s name to the American Heart Assn.