Tributes

Surrounded by her loving family, Yanitsa Dones was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at age 46, after a remarkable five-year battle with breast cancer. Yanitsa Dones was born in Chicago on July 13, 1980, to Roberto and Nilza Dones. She was the fourth of six children and bore the closest resemblance to her father. Raised in a close, loving family, Yanitsa was known for her calm and kind heart. Though well-behaved, she possessed a strong will and fearless determination that set her apart. At the age of 12, while attending a service at First Baptist Church, Yanitsa placed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. It was the most important decision of her life because it secured her eternal hope and gave her strength and peace through her most difficult battles. Yanitsa attended Roosevelt University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and later completed her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Yanitsa devoted 22 years to Chicago Public Schools, most of them as a beloved first-grade teacher known to her students as Miss Dones. She believed deeply in every child’s potential and poured her heart into helping each one thrive. Yanitsa had a vibrant personality and adventurous spirit. She loved traveling the world, but especially loved spending time in her parents’ homeland of Puerto Rico, where she enjoyed cruising from town to town with family and caring for her horses. A true gearhead, Yanitsa was especially proud of her bright fuchsia Dodge Challenger, which became her trademark as she drove it to school and around town. She had a talent for understanding cars, not just her own, and loved sharing that passion with others. She loved encouraging friends and family to drive the many unique vehicles she owned over the years, so they too could experience the thrill and joy she felt behind the wheel. Of all her accomplishments, none brought Yanitsa greater joy than being a mother. Her three children, Marielys, Joshua, and Hosea, truly meant the world to her. She worked tirelessly to provide them with every opportunity. Yanitsa cherished simple moments with her kids. Family movie nights, dinners at El Taconazo, and the everyday laughter they shared became some of the memories they hold most dear. To her children, their mother will always be remembered as an extraordinarily generous woman whose compassion and kindness touched countless lives. She was very protective of her family, and they will always remember her love and care. Yanitsa was joyously expecting her youngest son Hosea when she first received the devastating diagnosis of stage III breast cancer. With incredible courage, she fought fiercely to protect her pregnancy and was overwhelmed with gratitude when Hosea arrived safely. In the final months of her life, the most difficult part of her journey was accepting that she would not have more time with her children. Yanitsa joins her firstborn daughter, Baby Yanelix, and an older brother, Baby Roberto, in heaven. Yanitsa is survived by her three beloved children, Marielys Quintero, Joshua Stallworth, and Hosea Dones; her granddaughter, Melody; her loving parents, Roberto Dones, Sr. and Nilza Dones; her siblings, Ivette, Roberto, Jr. (Beatriz), Lixsandra (Angel), Anabelle (Richard), Erie (Christine), and Ivy as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who became family. Although her earthly journey has ended, Yanitsa leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, perseverance, strength in adversity, and generosity. Although our hearts are grieving, we rejoice knowing that Yanitsa is no longer suffering but is finally resting in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. We invite you to celebrate Yanitsa’s life on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 1 p.m. located at Memory Lane Funeral Home 6305 W. Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point, IN 46307. There will be a visitation beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 1 p.m.

Tributes

Yanitsa Dones

July 13, 1980 - July 27, 2026