Subscribe to updates for Rita-Jean Yackanich

Rita-Jean M. Yackanich, 68, of Lake Ariel, departed Saturday morning, June 15th, at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale with her loving husband of 47 years Demetrius Yackanich, by her side.

Born May 2nd 1951 in Staten Island, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frederick A. and Veronica Lapetina Filitor. She was a graduate of St. Joseph by the Sea High School, Staten Island. She earned her bachelors degree from the College of Staten Island and held her Masters Degree in Hospital Administration. Prior to retirement, Rita was vice president of nursing administration at Staten Island University Hospital, South Site. In addition to her professional achievements, Rita had a passion for oil painting, Maine Vacationing, and shopping on QVC. She cherished spending time with her family, especially her four sisters, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She loved her “Tuesday” phone calls with her Godfather/Uncle, Michael Lapetina. She gave of herself unconditionally, and her generosity knew no bounds, she leaves the legacy of her “big heart” with each person she knew. She loved entertaining, especially around the holidays. Her love for Christmas was carried through the year, displayed through candles, crystals, artwork and anything else that sparkled.

Also surviving are sisters, Jane Hanley of Lake Ariel, Pa, Magee and Frank Murray of Medway, Mass., Mary Joan Ullmann, Franklin NJ, and Joann and Michael Grady of Randolph, NJ., Gabriel and Susan Yackanich of Ligonier, Pa, Karen Takai of Tijeras, NM, Michael and Marge Lapetina of Staten Island NY. She doted on her seven nieces and two nephews, grand nieces and nephews as her own.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, June 20th, at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Church, 334 St. Mary’s Church Rd in Lake Ariel, PA 18436. Friends may call Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30. Internment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorial contributions in Rita’s honor be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105, or www.stjude.org.

Rita will be sorely missed by all persons whose lives she touched, but her spirit lives on.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and under the direction of James Wilson Funeral Home 143 Gravity Rd Lake Ariel, PA.