Deanna Francis Yonkovich, a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, compassion, and resilience, passed away on August 7, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, at the age of 79. Born on April 11, 1946, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, Deanna’s journey was marked by a deep commitment to caring for others and a passion for life’s simple joys.

A dedicated caregiver, Deanna spent her professional years nurturing patients as a CNA at Britthaven Nursing Home in Jacksonville, NC. Her gentle touch and kind spirit left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be in her care. She later shared her talents with the community through her work at the CHKD Thrift Store in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where her warm smile and generous nature touched countless lives.

Deanna’s interests painted a vibrant picture of a life well-lived. A fervent supporter of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team, she never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, demonstrating her loyalty and zeal. Her culinary skills were legendary, and her kitchen was a haven of delicious aromas and joyful family gatherings.

An artist at heart, Deanna enjoyed crocheting intricate patterns, crafting beautiful ceramics, and maintaining a flourishing garden in her younger days. She enjoyed getting lost in the pages of books by Stephen King, Karen Slaughter, and Patricia Cornwell, devouring each story with an insatiable appetite for mystery and adventure. Black and white movies and TV shows offered her a window into a world she cherished, where timeless tales unfolded in shades of gray.

Deanna was Presbyterian by marriage, finding community and faith within a tradition that embraced her. Her educational journey began at Rochester High School in Rochester and culminated in her graduation from Center High School in Center Township, PA. Determined to make a difference, she earned her Associate of Arts degree from Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, NC, and received her CNA certification, equipping her with the skills to serve others with excellence.

Preceded in death by her beloved parents, Reuben and Anna Hallberg; her brother, Kenneth Hallberg; and her half-sister, Vivian Hosting. Deanna’s legacy of love endures through her surviving family: her cherished sister, Eleanor Lehman (Ron); her devoted son, Jay Yonkovich (Denise); her loving daughters, Shari Romanauskas (John) and Emily Yonkovich (Patrick Wilson). She was a proud grandmother to Brandon (Michelle), Matthew (Autum), and Cassandra Yonkovich (fiancée Jackson Sanchez), Madison (fiancée Nicholas Kennedy), Devon, and Connor Romanuskas, Ethan, Alyssa, and Elizabeth Wilson, and a doting great-grandmother to Aurora Yonkovich (Brandon and Michelle).

Deanna Francis Yonkovich’s life was a tapestry of love, strength, and unwavering dedication. Her memory will forever inspire those who were blessed to know her and those who will continue to feel the warmth of her spirit.