Janet Y. (Smith) Tonkay

Janet Y. Tonkay, 90, formerly of Tyrone passed away Friday, October 25, 2024, at Luther Acres Healthcare Center in Lititz.

Born June 5, 1934 in Trafford, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Budd R. and Martha (Wolfe) Smith and widow of Joseph A. Tonkay since 1995.  She was also preceded in death by sisters Shirley Sease and Marjorie Smith.

A devoted wife and loving mother of four children, she was a Class of 1952 graduate of Tyrone High School and Philipsburg Hospital School of Nursing.  Janet began her Registered Nursing career at Tyrone Hospital, and retired after 23 years from Epworth Manor, Tyrone, as Director of Nursing Services.

As a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church, Tyrone, she served as a church leader, Sunday School teacher, pianist, choir member, and in any way God called her.  She was a devoted matriarch: the sun around which her children and grandchildren revolved.  The light of her love provided hope in dark times and strength in all seasons.  She was happiest when surrounded by her family at holiday gatherings, and when her screen door opened to announce her family’s arrival.  Janet loved Christmas, shopping, music, candy, and her cats.

Surviving are her children Douglas W. Tonkay (Tami) of Mt. Airy, Maryland, Gregory L. Tonkay (Pamela) of Orefield, Michael A. Tonkay (Kelley) of Landisville, and Betsy J. Babik (Daniel) of Grantville; grandchildren Joshua, Nicholas, Jesse, Madison, Brian, Marissa, Kelly, and Alex; and three great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Christ United Methodist Church, 1359 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone, PA, preceded by visitation in the church parlor at 2:00 p.m.  Private interment will be in Blair Memorial Park, Bellwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Village Hospice, 98 Masonic Drive, Suite 101, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (online at masonicvillagehospice.org) or Christ United Methodist Church, 1359 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686.

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