DR. VILJA STEIN, MD

Vilja was born January 30, 1937, in Tartu, Estonia to Rudolf and Jenny Kreek. She immigrated to the U.S. with her parents and maternal grandmother as refugees just after World War II. She became a U.S. Citizen 1 month before graduating as valedictorian of East Stroudsburg High School. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from the UPENN Perelman School of Medicine (’63), where she was 1 of only 4 women admitted to her class.

Vilja had a successful career as a psychiatrist, specializing in Child Psychiatry. She moved to Wheeling in 1977, where over the years she worked as Clinical Director of a Mental Health Center, member of a private practice group, manager of her own solo practice, and at Belmont Correctional Institute. She served on the boards of Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Home of Wheeling.

Vilja enjoyed time spent with family and friends including Gourmet Club, playing tennis, birding, trips to the opera and ballet, and other outings. She loved to travel and visited every continent, including above the Arctic Circle. One of her favorite travel destinations with family and friends was Blackwater Falls State Park. She also made multiple trips to visit relatives in Estonia.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her three children, Karen Stein Monroe (John Stein Monroe), Lawrence Michael Stein (Catherine Mone), Erik Rudolf Stein (Tricia DeHart), best friend Jack Nemo, ex-husbands Jimmy Pickett and Don Stein, niece-in-law Becky Khan, along with many friends near and far.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 6pm, at Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St, Wheeling.

Donations in her memory can be made to Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, Children’s Home of Wheeling, or CARE USA.

Personal condolences may be made to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com