Lena N. (Ceccarelli) VanDyke, 94, passed away on September 19, 2024.
She was born on December 24, 1929. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Van Dyke and daughter Sharlene Loennig. She is survived by her daughters Katherine Rossi and Joan Van Dyke, son-in-law, Joseph Ferrara, granddaughter, Courtney Martin, grandson-in-law, Timothy Martin, her children, grandson, Dr. Tyler Loennig and granddaughter-in-law, Dr. Stephanie Loennig and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Lena moved to Punxsutawney from Aliquippa in 1984 with her husband, James M. VanDyke.
Following a long career as a banker at the former Melon Bank, now BNY Mellon, Lena quickly managed to fill her time with service, volunteerism and management (what she did best!). Lena was an active member of Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church of Punxsutawney volunteering as one of the first woman ushers, banker for collections and church festivals and celebrations. She was awarded the Bishops Service award from the Diocese of Erie for her accomplishments.
She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Catholic Daughters, the Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church cafeteria, the Punxsutawney Garden Club, Young Women’s Club and others. She was the manager for Waltzing Matilda and worked alongside her daughter, Joan, at Van Dyke & Company. She was an active parent for her daughters, Katherine and Sharlene, and loved spending time with her grandchildren, Courtney and Tyler, and later her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary and Abigail.
Lena was an active community member, providing transportation for her friends and family to medical appointments, shopping sprees and engagements. Lena was also known as “Mama Lena” to close friends and family whom she loved and adored.
She was named Punxsutawney’s Woman of the Year in 2001.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Lena will be sorely missed by every person she touched.
Lena moved to Punxsutawney from Aliquippa in 1984 with her husband, James M. VanDyke.
Following a long career as a banker at the former Melon Bank, now BNY Mellon, Lena quickly managed to fill her time with service, volunteerism and management (what she did best!). Lena was an active member of Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church of Punxsutawney volunteering as one of the first woman ushers, banker for collections and church festivals and celebrations. She was awarded the Bishops Service award from the Diocese of Erie for her accomplishments.
She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Catholic Daughters, the Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church cafeteria, the Punxsutawney Garden Club, Young Women’s Club and others. She was the manager for Waltzing Matilda and worked alongside her daughter, Joan, at Van Dyke & Company. She was an active parent for her daughters, Katherine and Sharlene, and loved spending time with her grandchildren, Courtney and Tyler, and later her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary and Abigail.
Lena was an active community member, providing transportation for her friends and family to medical appointments, shopping sprees and engagements. Lena was also known as “Mama Lena” to close friends and family whom she loved and adored.
She was named Punxsutawney’s Woman of the Year in 2001.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Lena will be sorely missed by every person she touched.