Helen Yankowski

Helen P. Yankowski, 90, Shavertown, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her family and friends. Born April 22, 1931 in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Mary Balakonis Kervalavage and was a graduate of Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, class of 1949 and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing class of 1951.

She was a registered nurse at The Hazard for many years and finished her nursing career in private duty. Helen was a member of St. Therese’s Roman Catholic Church, Shavertown, and very much lived her faith, always having a rosary within arm’s reach. Nicknamed “Smiley,” at a young age, she had a love for good times and enjoyed music, especially dancing to Polkas and tapping her feet to Mariachis. She also loved good jokes and Penn State football. However, what she enjoyed most was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her favorite part of everyday was receiving phone calls from her family.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Yankowski. Surviving are her sons, John Yankowski and his wife Diane, David Yankowski and his wife Mary, Daniel Yankowski and his wife Meredith, and Gerald Yankowski and his wife Gay. Daughters, Jane Miller and her husband Dave, June Erickson and her husband Bill. 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday at 3:30 PM at St. Therese’s Church, Shavertown with The Rev. James Paisley, pastor, St. Therese’s Church, officiating. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek. Friends may call Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc. 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, Pa. 18612. Online condolences may be made at Disquefuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to Hospice Community Care c/o 601 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, Pa. 18704.