Lura Weitman Greeley spent countless evening hours devising lesson plans for her 3rd-grade classes in Mt. Prospect’s School District 57.
But even with papers to grade, she was always available to her own three children, raising them on her own.
“I can recall many nights she stayed up late,” said her daughter, Paula Berg. “She would make sure everything was really detailed and still managed to help us with our own homework if we needed it.”
For nearly three decades, Mrs. Greeley taught in Westbrook and Fairview Elementary Schools.
“She was proud of the fact that she educated so many. From what I hear from her fellow teachers, she was an extraordinary teacher. … She gave of herself endlessly,” her daughter said.
Mrs. Greeley, 78, of Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of Arlington Heights, died of complications from pneumonia Sunday, Oct. 9, in her home.
Mrs. Greeley and her family moved from Montana to Des Plaines. She graduated from Maine Township High School in 1945 and attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. There she followed her dream and received a bachelor’s degree in art education in 1949.
“I always enjoyed seeing her art projects that she did in school,” said her younger sister, Jeannette Colwell. Art “was part of her life.”
She married William F. Greeley Jr. and the couple moved to Springfield. After a divorce in 1964, Mrs. Greeley eventually moved to Arlington Heights.
Mrs. Greeley began as an art teacher in Streamwood but joined School District 57 in 1966 teaching other subjects.
“I know she enjoyed the children, but she got a lot out of it personally. Teaching is always a two-way street,” her sister said.
Mrs. Greeley retired in 1994 and moved to Florida. She was involved with PEO, a women’s philanthropic service organization.
“I think her proudest accomplishment would be her family because she did it by herself,” said her granddaughter, Kristin Schufman. “I think she would be proud of the people they had become and proud of the way her family succeeded.”
Other survivors include two sons, Bill and Brad; another sister, Frances Neukirch; a brother, Paul Weitman; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from noon until the 1 p.m. memorial service Saturday at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights.
