Kathryn Louise "Kitty" (Johnson) Smelko

Kathryn Louise “Kitty” Smelko, 88 of Anita, passed away on Tuesday February 15, 2022 at Mulberry Square with her husband and daughter Cheryl by her side.

She was born July 19, 1933 to Carl A. and Louise (Reedy) Johnson in Sagamore.

Kitty married Donald L. Smelko June 11, 1955. Together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage.

Kitty was a former member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Anita, where she served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Religious Educator. Kitty was a member at St. Joseph’s in Anita for over 50 years before becoming a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Punxsy. Kitty was one of 12 children. Her and her husband were active in hosting Fresh Air children for many years. They also were involved in fostering children through Catholic Charities. Kitty was active in PTA and other activities when her children were growing up. She loved traveling, reading, designing cakes, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, five children, Debbie G. Barilar, Anita, Tim Smelko and wife Molly, Punxsutawney, John Christopher Smelko and wife Georgia, Punxsutawney, Cheryl Stiver and husband Jim, Rochester Mills, Patrick Smelko and wife Maggie, Ottawa, IL, grandchildren, Nicholas, Curtis, Steven, Joseph, Adam, Alaina, Edith, Megan, Cole, Caroline Smelko, Eric Barilar, Jimmy Stiver, and Rebecca St. John, great grandchildren, Logan, Caleigh, Estella, George, Louis, Amelia Smelko, Jonah, Jeremiah Stiver, Zachary Hanbury, Landon, Nathan, Izabell St. John, three sisters, Marlene Getch, Laurel Burguess, Bernie Murray, three brothers, Carl, Melvin and John Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Donald L. Smelko Jr., a daughter-in-law Debbie (Spak) Smelko, granddaughter Katelynn Smelko, and son-in-law Bill Barilar, sisters, Jean, Carol, Ann, Barbara, and Darlene.

Friends will be received on Friday from 2-8 PM at McCabe Funeral Home Inc., 114 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767, A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church, Punxsutawney. Interment will follow at Adrian-Anita Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to St. Jude's or the donor’s choice.

To share a memory, visit www.mccabewaldronfh.com