Stella Evan Yatko

Stella Evan Yatko of Wilkes-Barre died peacefully in her sleep on June 7, 2025. She was 90 years old.

She was born in Lower Augusta, PA to Albert (Sr.) and Mary Hoffman. Whether known as Stella, "Sis," Mom, or Grandma, her signature smile, sunny demeanor, and never-wavering optimism created a positive, loving environment for her sons, grandchildren, family, friends, and anyone else who came in contact with her.

Stella believed that her children and her grandchildren were her legacy and that the greatest measure of real success is "the way your kids describe you when talking to a friend." By that measure alone her life was an unqualified success.

Throughout her 90 years, she lived her life to the fullest. She was adventurous, loved to travel, and embraced new experiences. A devout Catholic, she had the unique experience of meeting Pope John Paul II in the 1980s, which was one of the thrills of her life. She is believed to be the first person ever to own both a 1941 Hudson convertible and a 2023 Honda Civic Sport.

Stella was a 1952 graduate of Sunbury High School. She worked in the banking industry throughout her early and later life, taking a fifteen-year break to raise her family in the 1960s and 70s. She retired from United Penn (Mellon) Bank in 1996 and enjoyed a retired life for close to thirty years. Stella was a member of the Parish of St. Maria Goretti in Laflin and a long-time parishioner of St. Stephen's in Plymouth. She was a Cub Scout den mother, Little League mom, band parent, and dedicated supporter of her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors.

Stella was preceded in death by her first husband, John Evan Sr.; her second husband, Dr. Norman Yatko; her infant son Blaise; her brother, George Hoffman.

Stella is survived by her four sons and their spouses: John Evan and Carissa Clark (Virginia Beach, VA), Michael and Julie Evan (Fairborn, OH), Jeff and Terri Evan (Dagsboro, DE), and Mark Evan (Easton, PA); her siblings, Dr. Albert Hoffman Jr. (Lancaster, PA), Mary Alice Snyder (husband Michael Snyder) of Zieglersville, PA, and Michael Hoffman (husband Fernando) of Miami, FL. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Caroline, Elizabeth, Grace, Abby (wife Lizzy), Andrew, Emma, Mitchell and Madelyn, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The Evan family thanks the staff at Highland Park Senior Living, Allied Meade Street Skilled Nursing, Traditional Hospice, and the Geisinger Forward 65 team for their compassionate care during the final months of Stella's life. Your empathy and expert care made a difference. Special thanks also to her sister-in-law Joan Evan, a devoted friend who regularly welcomed Stella into her home.

Celebration of Stella's Life begins Sunday, June 15, 2025, with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. It continues on Monday, June 16, 2025, with a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of Saint Maria Goretti in Laflin.

Share memories and condolences with Stella's family at mjmclaughlin.com