Catherine L. (Balko) Hynek

Catherine Louise (Balko) Hynek, 89, better known as “Kitty”, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in her Smithton home, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.   She was born June 29, 1933 in West Newton a daughter of the late George and Anna (Lilek) Balko.  Kitty was a matriarch, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the glue that kept her family together, through Christmas Eve dinners and post-church breakfasts.  Kitty loved a good sparkling dress and matching shoe. But she was most often found in the kitchen making wonderful meals for her family.  For 30 years she worked as a school lunch lady, providing food and comfort to children. She was also a devoted and loving wife to Rudy, someone she spoke to and spoke of often in the last years of her life.  She helped us all, through her friendship, spirit, spunk, subtle (and not so subtle) guidance. Kitty showed us how to love, how to nurture, how to grieve. Ultimately, she showed us how to live.  She was a member of the former St. Timothy Church, Smithton and Seven Dolors Church, Yukon, where she was a member of the Christian Mothers.  Also she was a member of West Newton Sportsmen’s, where she loved to play Bingo.  Surviving are five children, Martin Hynek and wife, Linda, Carol Clarico and husband, Tony, Chris Mlinek and husband, Bob, Rudy Hynek and wife, Rhonda, Ann Clark and husband, Larry; 14 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph Hynek; and brother and sisters.  Our family will be honoring her spirit and celebrating her life 4-8 pm Thursday at the J. William McCauley, Jr. Funeral Home, 901 Vine Street, West Newton.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am Friday at Seven Dolors Church, Yukon.  Interment will follow in St. Timothy Cemetery, Smithton.  Condolences may be left at http://www.mccauleyfuneralhome.com.

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