Katherine Ilene (Tankovich) Dota, 68

AUSTINTOWN – Katherine Ilene (Tankovich) Dota, 68, passed into eternal life Sunday evening, Nov. 25, at her home in Austintown after a two year battle with cancer.
Katherine was born Oct. 10, 1939 in Youngstown, the daughter of Stephen and Anna Verlenich Tankovich, and lived in this area her whole life.
She was an avid reader, talented writer and enjoyed participating in Serbian cultural events with friends and family. She had the gift of humor and her mere presence brought laughter to those around her. Her greatest love was for her four grandchildren. She will be missed dearly.
She took pride in her Serbian heritage and was an active member of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngstown. A graduate of Youngstown’s East High School, she worked as an administrative assistant for 10 years before leaving to marry and raise a family.
Katherine is survived by her husband, John Dota, whom she married on Feb. 23, 1963, and to this union two daughters were born, Mrs. Christine (Michael) Engoian and Mrs. Colleen (Vincent) Riccardo, both of Canfield.
She is also survived by four grandchildren, Rachel and Vincent Riccardo Jr. and Anastasia and Jacqueline Cook; a brother, Donald; sister-in-law, Catherine Tankovich and brother-in-law, Richard Dota. Also surviving Katherine are five nieces and five nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her two sisters, Mary Tankovich and Dorothy Thomas.
Katherine devoted her entire life to her family. She enriched the lives of her loved ones, spending countless memorable and joyous times together. She will forever be in the hearts of her family and friends.
Friends may call on Wednesday, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. service at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, located on Laird Avenue in Youngstown, with Father John Rajlich officiating.
Burial will follow at Belmont Park Cemetery.
A special thank you to the caring and devoted staff at The Hospice House in Poland for the exceptional care given to our mother during her illness. Also we would like to extend thanks to Dr. Grossman, Dr. Mashburn, and the Hospice nurse, Emma Miles, who provided special care and attention during the most critical hours of need.
Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home
Dedicated To Caring Since 1907