Dolores Marie Yonek – Monessen

Dolores Marie Yonek was greeted by angels on Dec. 25, 2021, at 9:10 pm. She left this earth after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease which she never let get the better of her. Her infectious smile was a constant, as was the “thank you,” both ever present on her lips despite her many physical afflictions. Dolores grew up in Monessen, daughter of John Lenio and Mary Kurtz. She graduated from Monessen High School in 1958. After graduation, she attended secretarial school at Point Park and worked for Alcoa. She loved working in the city and would tell stories about countless shopping trips on her lunch hour at Kaufmann’s Department Store. She married John Paul Yonek, son of George Yonek and Monica Zitney. Dolores and John had four daughters, Jacqueline Martinez, Cathy Yonek, Lisa Yonek and Julie Yonek. Dolores worked at the Intermediate Unit as a secretary and later at California University of Pennsylvania, where she received her bachelor’s in elementary education. She graduated simultaneously with her daughter, Lisa, an accomplishment she was proud to achieve. Dolores was a highly talented seamstress that specialized in hand beaded wedding gowns and dresses. She loved decorations and took special pride in always having her house look perfect for each holiday and season. Never one to sit still or waste a day, Dolores used her amazing talents to sew for others and sell home interior products while working full time and raising her family. She enjoyed attending Broadway shows, concerts, the symphony and traveling with her daughters. Special places include Las Vegas, Mexico, Texas, California, Alaska, Disney and cruises. Dolores was very active in her church as a lector and eucharistic minister. She prayed the Rosary daily and was a devout Catholic, passing on those traditions to her children. In addition to her many responsibilities with family and church, she found time to serve as president of the PTA and the High School Band Association. She felt drawn to deliver Meals On Wheels to those that needed help and also was a regular gift giver to The Ronald McDonald House where she shared her talents and presented the sick children with handmade gifts for each holiday. She also had a special place in her heart for the Children of St. Jude and was a regular donor to the charity. She is survived by her two sisters, Patricia Godla and Kathy Steffey. Her older brother, Richard Lenio, has preceded her in death. She is the loving grandmother of four: Madeline Martinez, Lucia Martinez, John Paul Martinez, Grant Girty; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was known in her local community as the one who would help everyone and loved driving her friends to hair appointments, grocery shopping and other errands. Adjectives used to describe Dolores include ladylike, kind, resourceful, creative, generous of heart, stubborn, willing, energetic, strong, organized, helpful and angelic. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Friends will be received at RHOME FUNERAL HOME from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, A Catholic Mass will be held on Dec. 31, 2021, at Epiphany of Our Lord Church with Father Michael Crookston officiating. Burial will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.