Obituary of Nancy C. Yonko

Nancy Keefe Yonko of Elmira, NY, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022. She was 87 years old. Nancy was born in Sayre, PA, to Leonard J. and Margaret (O'Neill) Keefe. She has one brother, Jeremiah (Jerry). Nancy attended St. Patrick's School in Elmira, graduating eighth grade in 1948. She then attended Elmira Catholic High School, graduating with the class of 1952. That fall, she continued her education at Marywood College in Scranton, PA, earning her BS in Home Education in 1956. In 1975, she received her MS in Education from Elmira College. In the fall of 1957, Nancy met Michael Yonko, whom she married on July 5, 1958. They had three children: Catherine, Peter, and Michael. While raising her family, Nancy taught Home Economics for the Elmira City School District until her retirement from Broadway Middle School in 1991. Nancy cherished time with her family and friends. In addition to their home in Elmira, the Yonkos enjoyed summers at their cottage on Seneca Lake. One of Nancy's favorite pastimes at the lake was watching sunsets from the dock, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. In addition to time with her family, Nancy enjoyed playing golf as well as socializing with her sewing club, the Broadway retired teacher group, and the Friday night dinner group. She was also an avid reader, a talented seamstress, and a gifted cook. Nancy and Mike spent much of their retirement traveling throughout the United States and Europe. She was also a long-time volunteer and former board member of the Chemung County Meals on Wheels and a member of the AAUW. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and her beloved sister-in-law Jean Keefe. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Yonko of Elmira. She will also be greatly missed by her children and their spouses: Catherine Westlake (David) of Elmira; Peter Yonko (Kristin) of Newark, DE; and Michael Yonko (Kimberly) of Webster, NY. Nancy was especially proud of her five grandsons: Kyle Westlake (Danielle), Zachary Westlake, Benjamin Yonko, Matthew Yonko, and James Yonko. Nancy is also survived by her brother Jeremiah Keefe (Rose) and her nieces and nephews: David Keefe (Trina), Daniel Keefe (Judy), Jill Knuth (Keat), Michael Keefe (Kate), Matthew Keefe (Mary), Jennifer Keefe-Haacker (Jacob), and Julie Mitzner (Joshua). She was also a generous and loving great aunt to many great-nieces and great-nephews. Calling hours will be held Friday, March 4, 2022, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022, 12:30 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira. Burial will occur at the convenience of the family. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Chemung County Meals on Wheels, 409 William Street, Elmira, NY, 14901, or to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Ave., Elmira, NY, 14904. The family would also like to express special thanks to the caring staff at Woodbrook Assisted Living in Elmira and Absolut Care in Painted Post.