Evelyn Marie Fontanesi's Obituary
Evelyn Marie Fontanesi, age 94, of Butler, PA (formerly of Library, PA, Franklin, PA, Boynton Beach and Okeechobee, FL), peacefully passed away comforted by loving family on September 8, 2021.
Beloved wife of 60 years to the late George Raymond Fontanesi; mother of George Robert (Margaret Buchna) Fontanesi, NancyJo Trobaugh and Francesca (Daniel) John; grandmother of Trish (Matt) Gallagher, George Michael Fontanesi, Thomas (Char Laverty) Fontanesi, Jessica (Brent) Reamer, Ali (Craig) Simpson, Haley John and Jarrett John; great-grandmother of Colin, Tyler and Chase Gallagher, Logan Slivko, Grace and Brooke Reamer, Radley Simpson, Alaina Defrancesco and Harper Gross; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Joseph and Katherine Sancewich; and brothers, Walter, Adam and Edward Sancewich.
Evelyn was born and raised in Library, PA and graduated from Snowden Township High School in1944. She worked as a sales clerk at both Gimbel’s and Kaufman’s in downtown Pittsburgh after high school. Her most treasured work experience was during World War II, where she and many other young women made walkie talkie’s for the war effort on Forbes Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh. She married the love of her life, George Fontanesi, and the two celebrated close to 61 years of marriage. George and Evelyn were avid polka dancers and belonged to the Library Slovenian E&E club for many years and shared those wonderful days with close friends and family. Evelyn was a devout Catholic at both St. Joan of Arc, Library, PA, and St. Patrick’s in Franklin, PA. Her trips to Italy with her husband included a blessing by the Pope at Vatican City which was a highlight for her.
She and her husband were enthusiastic travelers. For many years, they traveled to multiple cities in the United States attending the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion's WWII reunions and were close friends for many years with George’s enlisted comrades and wives. Evelyn was a wonderful cook who loved having her children and grandchildren for weekly Saturday dinners where other family and friends would join in. She is most remembered for her homemade ravioli and cappelletti, and infamous potato pancakes.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Friends will be received on Monday, September 13th from 5-8 P.M. and Tuesday, September 14th from 10 A.M. until the time of the Blessing Service at 12 NOON until the time of service at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pleasant Hills, 15236.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veteran’s of American, 1000 Liberty Avenue, #429, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Dementia Society of American, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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