Evelyn Pega Yaniello, of Pittston Township, went to her eternal rest on Aug. 4, 2013, at the home of her daughter, Deborah Watson, Broomfield, Colo., at the age of 89. She was surrounded by her loving family who brought her smiles and offered her great comfort in her final days.
Evelyn was born on Nov. 26, 1923, to the late Enrico and Ida Pega of Browntown. She was a graduate of Pittson Township High School, after which she served her country during World War II working in a defense plant in Lancaster.
Evelyn lived a life of love and caring. She wore many names throughout the years: wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and good friend. The door to her home was always open and often included a complimentary all-day meal. If kindness and generosity had a face, it would be Evelyn's.
She enjoyed family card games, card clubs, spending time at the beach, watching sports (especially tennis), cooking, baking and her many, many trips to the casinos.
She was active in the Italian American Citizens Club women's auxiliary. Her talents and skills were numerous and her life was completely devoted to her family. She was wise in the ways of life and she guided generations of family members through the difficulties of life. She was the place where friends and family would go for strength and good counsel, and she will be sorely missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Recolus ""Rex"" Yaniello; brothers, Bruno, Dino, Louis and Quinto; sisters, Emma Taroli and Hilda Casciani.
Evelyn is survived by her children, Richard and his wife, Kathryn; John; Deborah Watson and her husband, William; and Rex and his partner, Brent Lewis; grandchildren, Kathy Ann Richards, Roxanne Yaniello, William Watson IV, Rex Watson and John Watson; great-grandchildren, John, Joshua and Jacob Rohland, Gianna Richards, Teagan, Isabella Evelina, Cailyn and Harrison Watson; sisters-in-law, Mary and Jean Yanniello; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family thanks all the wonderful doctors, nurses and nurses' assistants who cared for Evelyn during her recent illness. Your kindness, compassion and exceptional care was so greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
A memorial service and celebration of Evelyn's life will be held Satuday in St. Joseph Marello Church, William Street, Pittston. A gathering will be 9 to 11 a.m. with Christian Mass following.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to the
charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements by Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, 509 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston.
Published by Times Leader from Sep. 2 to Sep. 4, 2013.