Yvonne Zanos died she was 60

Yvonne Zanos has been fighting for consumers at KDKA since 1997. She lost her own personal battle with cancer. Yvonne passed away surrounded by family following a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer. She had just turned 60-years-old on Wednesday.

Born Yvonne Marquer, she grew up in the South Hills and graduated from Bethel Park High School and Bethany College.

Her magnetic smile attracted the notice of modeling agencies. She portrayed a warmth and occasional quirkiness that was easy to see.

Whether she was warning people about a scam -- letting them know about the latest product recalls or putting projects to the test in her "Does It Really Do That" segments, Yvonne loved to have fun and it showed.

A brief modeling career led to her selection as runner-up in the Miss Pennsylvania pageant. She took over the title when the winner went on to become Miss America.

She also caught they eye of former Pitt football star Jim Zanos. Their marriage led to two daughters, and five grandchildren -- four granddaughters and a grandson.

As a mother, she never tired of telling stories of her two daughters and their families.

Though she has worked as KDKA's consumer editor since 1997, this was actually her second stint at KDKA. Yvonne made her television debut on "Evening Magazine" in 1977.

Yvonne's humanitarian stories helped her win a prestigious Gabriel Award and many other honors. She was nominated several times for Mid-Atlantic Emmys and recently won the Patti Burns Award for excellence; but what really made her happy was helping others.

Yvonne's love for children carried over into her annual appearance on our Children's Hospital Free Care Fund telethon.

Her work for needy families also helped to feed thousands of needy residents through the KDKA Turkey Fund.

She fought off this increasingly debilitating illness to raise a record amount for the KDKA Turkey Fund this past Thanksgiving – despite a recession. It would be the final triumph for the reporter who has helped so many.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, Yvonne appeared as honorary chair of the Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer in October.

Yvonne covered her private pain to deliver messages of hope to fellow survivors. She fought through the pain and exhaustion of her final months to visit schools and community organizations best described as heroic.

Yvonne shared her compassion, determination to make a difference and, of course, her laughter up to the very end.

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