On Sunday, September 18th, Elaine Riek, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully at her daughter's home at 87 years young.  Elaine Grant Riek (nee Jones) was born on April 28, 1935 in Little Falls, NY.  She came to Buffalo to attend Buffalo State Teachers College for Home Economics.  She was employed by New York Telephone Company where she met her future husband, Robert Riek.  They enjoyed 59 years of marriage before Bob passed in 2016.  Her greatest accomplishments were her four children:  Kenneth John, Linda Marie, James Paul and Paul Robert.

She proudly served as Usher Captain at Shea's Buffalo for 27 years and Kleinhan's Music Hall for 13 years before retiring at 82 in 2018.  In addition to working in the theater, she also assisted her husband in his dental practice.   Her greatest passions in life were her family,  animals, friends and co-workers.  She was a member of the Welcome Wagon and enjoyed being a girl scout leader, bowling and playing cards with friends.  She proudly lived independently in her home until January 2022.  After a bout with COVID she moved to Ohio to live with her daughter.  Her last year was filled with visits to and from family and friends, trips, the Hallmark Channel and lazy days by the pool    When asked what she wanted to be buried in her reply was "Well, I'll be there for a while so probably my pajamas."  Elaine will be remembered for her kind and calm nature, strength and independence, wonderful recipes, love for the Hallmark Channel and her youthful appearance until the very end.  She will be missed.

Elaine is survived by:

siblings:  Sheldon F Jones  (the late Gail), Barbara Leyden (the late William)

Children:  Kenneth Riek (Kati), Linda Gramza (Jerry), James Riek (Jeanne), Paul Riek (Adriana),

Grandchildren: Shawn(Sara), Amy (Matt), Jennifer (Will), Donald, Molly, Ryan (Christine), Kristin, Lauren, Jason, Erik, Alex, Callie

Great Children:  Ashton, Logan and Gwendolyn

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra 786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

link: https://bpo.org/donate/annual-fund.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 12-3 pm at Thyme2 Restaurant, 113 West Smith Road, Medina, OH 44256 .  Words of Remembrance will begin at 1 pm.  Friends in Buffalo may call on Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 12-2 at Beach-Tuyn Funeral Home 5541 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221.