Catherine (Kononchuk) Maliniak, of Tamaqua, beloved wife of 64 years to Paul Maliniak, died peacefully on October 27, after battling illness for four months. She was 85.

Born in Coaldale on January 17, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Ann (Comisac) Kononchuk and Zachary Kononchuk; sister of Alex Kononchuk of California and and Marie Kononchuk Kuzmicz of New Jersey; half-sister Anastasia Pekarsy also predeceased her .

Catherine graduated from Coaldale high school. She played the piano beautifully, and, was a member of the Drum & Bugle Corps. Post high school she immediately married the love of her life, Paul, and worked her way up the ranks in the fashion industry to positions in management – turning her hobby of sewing into a career. That said, her family always came first. Kay and Paul had two children, Melanie (and her husband Joseph, who they consider a son); son David who passed away in 1975; grandson Jesse Weidaw; great-grandson David Weidaw.

After retirement, Paul and Kay enjoyed tailgating in State College for all Penn State home games, taking day trips, and, going out to eat with friends. Kay spent countless hours volunteering her expertise in office management, serving as Secretary of the Church Council of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Coaldale, which she affectionately referred to as “her little red church”. Kay was their “go-to” person – every problem got solved and every event was a success.

Funeral Services have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Services will be held, graveside, at Sky View Memorial Park on Tuesday, October 31, at 11 o’clock A.M., Rev. James P. Weremedic to officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The St. Mary’s general building fund 217 First Street Coaldale, Pennsylvania 18218.

Alumna: CHS Class of 1959