YOUNGSTOWN - Dolores M. "Dee" Hankavich, 79, of the city's west side, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, April 6, 2017, at her home following a brief battle with bone cancer.

Dolores was born Aug. 1, 1937, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Anna H. Kussic, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1955 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and in her younger years, worked for the City of Youngstown's Prosecutor's office. In 1982, Dee went back to school and graduated from the Choffin School of Nursing, working as a private duty nurse throughout the 1980s.

Dee was a longtime member of Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Youngstown.

She enjoyed being with her family and friends, and truly enjoyed being with her grandchildren.

Dee's husband of 55 years, Charles W. "Gezzy" Hankavich Jr,, whom she married Oct. 24, 1959, passed away Dec. 20, 2014.

Mrs. Hankavich leaves her son, Jeff (Tanya) Hankavich of Youngstown; her daughter, Chris (Dominic) Rivello of Poland; three grandchildren, Natalie and Seth Rivello, and Erika Hankavich; a sister, Mary Ann (Mike) Vernars of Boardman; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Dee was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Kussic, and by a brother, Thomas Kussic

Per Dee's request, private services were held.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Dee's family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, do so by donating in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.