Karen Ann (Anderson) Yanko

Karen Ann (Anderson) Yanko, age 75, of the South Side, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Born and raised on the South Side of Pittsburgh to Roberta and John Anderson, Karen’s life was defined by love, devotion, and family.

She is survived by her cherished children — Anthony Scalise (Sandi), Lisa Scalise, Justin Yanko, and Corrie Yanko — and leaves behind a rich legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose lives she touched profoundly. Services will be private, in accordance with her wishes.

Karen was the heart and matriarch of her family. Her greatest joy was nurturing the generations that followed, guiding them with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering love. Every smile, every word of encouragement, and every embrace carried the warmth of her heart. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments, joys, and the people they became.

Her love extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her spirit within them, her grandchildren, Kia, Mackenzie, Briaunna, Antonio, Gabriella "Gabby", Elianna "Ellie", Nicole, Santino "Sonny", Vincent "Vinny" and her great-grandchildren, Gabriel "Gabe", Chloe and Sydney

Karen’s life was a testament to the power of love and family. She built a foundation of strength, kindness, and resilience that will continue to guide and inspire her family for generations. Her home and her heart were havens of warmth and stability, a place where all felt valued, loved, and safe.

Though we grieve her passing, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Her spirit lives on in the memories, values, and love she instilled in all who knew her. Even in parting, there is solace — for her legacy endures in the hearts of those she cherished, and her love remains eternal. Karen Ann Yanko has found her peace, and her light will continue to shine in the lives of the family she so deeply loved.

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