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BORN
1929
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Lena VanDyke Obituary
Lena moved to Punxsutawney from Aliquippa in 1984 with her husband, James M. VanDyke.
Following a long career as a banker at the former Melon Bank, now BNY Mellon, Lena quickly managed to fill her time with service, volunteerism and management (what she did best!). Lena was an active member of SS.C.D., volunteering as one of the first woman ushers, banker for collections and church festivals and celebrations. She was awarded the Bishops Service award from the Diocese of Erie for her accomplishments.
She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Catholic Daughters, the SS.C.D. cafeteria, the Punxsutawney Garden Club, Young Women's Club and others. She was the manager for Waltzing Matilda and worked alongside her daughter, Joan, at Van Dyke & Company. She was an active parent for her daughters, Katherine and Sharlene, and loved spending time with her grandchildren, Courtney and Tyler, and later her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary and Abigail.
Lena was an active community member, providing transportation for her friends and family to medical appointments, shopping sprees and engagements. Lena was also known as "Mama Lena" to close friends and family whom she loved and adored.
She was named Punxsutawney's Woman of the Year in 2001.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Van Dyke, and daughter Sharlene Loennig.
Lena is survived by daughters Katherine Rossi and Joan Van Dyke; son-in-law Joseph Ferrara; granddaughter Courtney Martin and grandson-in-law Timothy Martin and children; grandson Dr. Tyler Loennig and granddaughter-in-law Dr. Stephanie Loennig; and loads of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
A processional visitation followed by a Catholic Mass will take place on Monday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. at SS.C.D. Catholic Parrish with Monsignor Joseph Riccardo presiding. Her niece will be providing funeral services through Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home. Lena will be sorely missed by every person she touched.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lena VanDyke
Sponsored by Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc..
Lou, Donna, and her beloved sister Helen
December 18, 2024
Aunt Lena will always be remembered as active all the way up to her final hours. She gave 100% of her time,effort, and Iove to what ever she was doing. Let her memory be a blessing to all that knew and loved her.
Lou,Donna, and her beloved sister Helen
Samuel M.Shaffer
September 24, 2024
Just now finding out my God Mother AUNT Lena has joined those who preceeded her upstairs in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with her family who are morning her loss. I pray that you are resting in peace and will miss you Aunt Lena.
Your God Son....Sam.
Stacey Kopnitsky
September 24, 2024
Lena was always a kind hearted lady with a lovely smile to share. My mom loved playing cards with her. I really appreciated her coming to my dad´s funeral in January. It was wonderful to be able to see her and giver her a hug. May you rest in peace dear Lena. You have left wonderful memories in the hearts of many.
Stacey (Lingenfelter) Kopnitsky
Jeanne Martino-McAllister
September 23, 2024
Dear Joanie- So very sorry for your loss of your sweet, dear Mom. Her legacy is love in all things beautiful and in you. Warmly, Jeanne Martino-McAllister
Robert and Juley Gasbarri
September 22, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I could always count on Lena to make me laugh. I always considered her the aunt most like my mother and most like me. Just a beautiful person who will be forever missed.
Donna Widawski
September 22, 2024
To the family of Aunt Lena!
She was a blessed soul! She was glued that held family together. May she rest in piece! Let her memory be a blessing to all that knew and loved her!
Love always,
Aunt Helen, Donna Widawski, Lou Widawski, Tony Risi, Gabrielle Risi, and children.
Mary Rebuck Harmon
September 21, 2024
So sorry the loss of your Mom. She was a very sweet person.
Susan Long
September 21, 2024
The first thing I remember of Mama Lena is playing cards. Having good food, and enjoying the conversation of the women in the group she always tried to make everybody feel home,and then she became a stinker and teased. She is sorely going going to be missed by all.
Josephine Cunningham
September 21, 2024
Cousin Lena had an extraordinary zest for life and shared that zest with all whom she met.My memories go back to her buying me a babydoll and when that didn´t quite tame me she turned to bubble gum cigars to do the trick. Like those two gifts to me she was incredibly generous with so many in her lifetime. She will be missed by so many , especially her family .She truly worked to make the world a better place.
Tom Chapin
September 21, 2024
I think I met Lena within the first few weeks of arriving in Punxsutawney in 2001. And ever since then, she was always loving, kind, supportive, and full of life and zest. Always looking after the youngsters at Waltzing Matilda and always one of my favorite people in town. Thank you, Lena, you were the best! Much love and sympathy to Joan E. and family.
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Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.2026 Mcminn St, Aliquippa, PA 15001
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