She was born in Lower Augusta, Pa., to Albert (Sr.) and Mary Hoffman. Whether known as Stella, "Sis," Mom, or Grandma, her signature smile, sunny demeanor, and never-wavering optimism created a positive, loving environment for her sons, grandchildren, family, friends and anyone else who came in contact with her.

Stella believed that her children and her grandchildren were her legacy and that the greatest measure of real success is "the way your kids describe you when talking to a friend." By that measure alone, her life was an unqualified success.

Throughout her 90 years, she lived her life to the fullest. She was adventurous, loved to travel, and embraced new experiences. A devout Catholic, she had the unique experience of meeting Pope John Paul II in the 1980s, which was one of the thrills of her life. She is believed to be the first person ever to own both a 1941 Hudson convertible and a 2023 Honda Civic Sport.

Stella was a 1952 graduate of Sunbury High School. She worked in the banking industry throughout her early and later life, taking a fifteen-year break to raise her family in the 1960s and '70s. She retired from United Penn (Mellon) Bank in 1996 and enjoyed a retired life for close to 30 years. Stella was a member of the Parish of St. Maria Goretti in Laflin, and a longtime parishioner of St. Stephen's in Plymouth. She was a Cub Scout den mother, Little League mom, band parent and dedicated supporter of her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors.

Stella was preceded in death by her first husband, John Evan Sr.; her second husband, Dr. Norman Yatko; her infant son, Blaise; and her brother, George Hoffman.

Stella is survived by her four sons and their spouses: John Evan and Carissa Clark, Virginia Beach, Va.; Michael and Julie Evan, Fairborn, Ohio; Jeff and Terri Evan, Dagsboro, Del.; and Mark Evan,Easton, Pa.; her siblings: Dr. Albert Hoffman Jr., Lancaster, Pa.; Mary Alice Snyder (husband, Michael Snyder) of Zieglersville, Pa.; and Michael Hoffman (husband, Fernando) of Miami, Fla. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Caroline, Elizabeth, Grace, Abby (wife, Lizzy), Andrew, Emma, Mitchell and Madelyn; and many nieces and nephews.

The Evan family thanks the staff at Highland Park Senior Living, Allied Meade Street Skilled Nursing, Traditional Hospice and the Geisinger 65 Forward team for their compassionate care during the final months of Stella's life. Your empathy and expert care made a difference. Special thanks also to her sister-in-law, Joan Evan, a devoted friend who regularly welcomed Stella into her home.

Celebration of Stella's life begins with visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at McLaughlin's, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. It continues with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday in the Church of Saint Maria Goretti in Laflin.

Share memories and condolences with Stella's family at mjmclaughlin.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Stella Yatko

7 Entries

Carl and Mary Ann Naessig

June 22, 2025

Our sincere condolences to all of Stella's family. We are fortunate to have many fond memories of her, from scouting and band and band trips ,and events. We shared many good times together. She was a wonderful person who always shined with a beautiful smile. May she rest in peace. Mary Ann and Carl Naessig

Sharon Cease

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Sharon Cease

June 14, 2025

If there were more people like Stella in this world, it definitely would be a better place. She was so kind and caring and never without a smile. I will never forget how kind she was to my mother especially when she was sick and needed a good friend by her side. She will be deeply missed. Sharon

Ann Hoffman

June 13, 2025

What a wonderful and life- affirming obituary. It's a must-read. The only thing I want to add is a memory from my childhood--
In the late 1950's or so when Stella was a young single woman happily employed at a local bank in PA she came alone
by bus to NJ to visit my mom and our family.
Of course, we had fun--
how could it have been
otherwise with Stella at our table. She was so very fun-loving
but what struck me most was her confidence and
independence traveling alone all
that way. She was one of my
earliest "strong women" role
models. Wish now that I had shared with Stella herself my loving memory of a wonderful older cousin from my childhood.
namesake

Theresa Yankoski Wyzinski

June 12, 2025

My Deepest Sympathy to all of Stella's family and especially her stepdaughter Jacqueline Yatko. Stella's 2nd husband Dr. Norman Yatsko was my Optometrist from the time I was 7 to when I was in my 40's.
I was born & raised in Nanticoke, PA. And I am the cousin of St. Pope John Paul II.

Theresa

Wendi VanWert

June 11, 2025

Stella was a special person. I worked with her for the past 5 years and I looked forward to her walking in the door with her big smile and positive attitude. She was and still is an inspiration to me. She often spoke highly of her sons, grandchildren and her friend Joan to me. She seems to love life and she never let age get in her way! I feel so grateful to have known her. Fly high Stella Bella. My deepest condolences to the whole family. - Wendi V.

Roz Walsh

June 11, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Stella at United Penn Bank and being her neighbor at East Mountain Apartments. Stella was always optimistic, funny, classy and very kind. I am grateful to have wonderful memories of her. Roz Walsh

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