Helene Marie (Riesenback) Vayansky, age 89, of Donora, Pa., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. She was born July 25, 1933, in Monessen, the daughter of the late William Riesenback and the late Helen Pehl Riesenback. Helene was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Navy. She received the National Defense Service Medal and the American Spirit Honor Award. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Vayansky. Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Joe Nelson Pierce Jr. of Sabinsville, Pa., MarSue Pierce Haney and husband Wilbur of Donora, and Marsha Kay Pierce Lohr and husband Craig of Arizona; eight grandchildren, Mimi Marie (Scott) Pierce, Sean Howard (Scott) Pierce, Jason Nicholas (Heather) Fleming, Molina Sue Fleming, Zachary Aaron (Sherry) Fleming, Richelle Helene (Eric) Shriver, Olivia Marie (Justin) Hinden and Richard Michael Burella; 10 great-grandchildren, Donald Joe (Scott) Pierce, Dominique Marie (Scott) Pierce, Alexis Mariena Fleming, Zachary Aaron Fleming Jr., Leah Maree Fleming, Ethan James Fleming, Selena Marie Fleming, Owen Leslie Hinden, Gabriel Armen Shriver and Hannah Marie Shriver; and two great-great- grandchildren, Lailani Fleming and Lorena Sue Fleming; two sisters, Marlene Nast of Nanticoke, Pa., and Ruth Murdock of Belle Vernon; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second St. Extension, Donora, PA 15033, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. The funeral service will be held at the funeral at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, with Deacon Al Poroda officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Monongahela Cemetery at the convenience of the family. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
