Katherine M. Yurko 1925-2021

Katherine was born Sept. 11, 1925, a daughter of Paul and Raffaela Laprocina Oliver (Olivieri), who immigrated from Foggia, Italy, in 1910.

Katherine was the youngest of five children. Her sisters, Nellie, Clara and Laura, and brother, James, are all deceased. She was born and raised in Warren, and was a 1943 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School.

In her younger years, Katherine worked for the Werner Company, and later at Carol’s Style Center, both women’s fashion stores in Warren.

“Mom took great pride in the way she dressed, carrying herself with such elegance. The home she made for her family was warm and comfortable. There was always a pot of spaghetti sauce and meatballs simmering on the stove for Sunday dinner.”

Katherine married Andrew Yurko of Masury, on Jan. 19, 1946, at St. Mary’s Church, Warren, and they shared 35 years together. Her husband, Andy, our dear father, was a great man and exceptional provider. He lovingly took care of his wife, Katherine, and his children.

A United States Marine, Andy served on the U.S.S. Essex in the Pacific Theatre of Operation during World War II. While aboard the ship he kept a daily journal. After hearing the war was over, he made one last entry on Sept. 18, 1945, and it read “Called Katherine on the phone.” He was a proud Marine until his death July 4, 1981.

Katherine was a longtime member of the former Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon.

She is survived by two children, Nancy (Don) Rakoci of Hermitage, Pa., and Andrew Yurko II of Brookfield; three grandchildren, Rachel (John) Farringer-Morse of Mill Valley, Calif., Vincent Farringer of Masury and Ashley Yurko of Austintown; and two great-grandchildren, Samantha Nancy and Nicholas Andrew of Mill Valley, Calif.

Katherine is also survived by a very special niece, Patty Ross Greene of Niles, and her son, David Greene of Chicago.

Many years after her beloved husband Andy’s passing, Katherine began a friendship with Norwin Cargo of Hermitage. Together they spent many happy retirement years going to festivals (especially Italian festivals) and polka dancing!

Katherine also had many happy years at Ridgewood and Serenity Lane Community at St. Paul’s in Greenville, making many friendships along the way. She was happy and very much loved by many staff and fellow residents during her time living there.

We are especially grateful to her physician, Dr. Wong, all the nurses, especially Stephanie and Michelle, all the aides and residents, and so many others that made Katherine’s life so happy and fulfilling while living at the Ridgewood and the Heritage. Also, we are thankful for Kindred Hospice of New Castle, especially her caregivers Chelsea, Tony and Chaplain Claire.

“Rest in Peace, dear Mother.”

In keeping with her wishes, all funeral services will be held privately. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Interment will be in Brookfield Cemetery, Brookfield.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, Pa.

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