Catherine "Kay" Olenych

YOUNGSTOWN - Catherine “Kay” Olenych, 86, passed away peacefully late Saturday evening, May 20, 2017, at Hospice House.

Catherine was born Aug. 4, 1930, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Charles and Barbara Kunovic. She was a lifelong resident of the city’s west side, never living outside of the neighborhood she grew up in.

Kay was a graduate of Chaney High School’s Class of 1949, and was a homemaker who also worked as a nurse assistant for Dr. Louis Alexander from 1980 to 1994.

Mrs. Olenych was a longtime member of St. Brendan Church in Youngstown. 

Kay enjoyed bowling, lunches with her high school classmates, and crossword puzzles. She loved crocheting, and many of her baby afghans can be found throughout the United States, as she shared her blankets with friends. 

Mrs. Olenych was an avid sports fan, beginning with following her son, Chuck’s, baseball career. She also loved watching her grandsons play baseball and basketball throughout their athletic careers. Additionally, she loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, and in particular, enjoyed watching her granddaughter dance for the Buckeyes. One of Kay’s greatest joys was knowing that her children and grandchildren graduated from college.

Kay leaves her daughter, Janet Olenych, with whom she shared her home; two sons, Chuck (Laura) Olenych of Fort Myers Beach, Fla. and Tom Olenych of Boardman; five grandchildren, Jimmy, Charly, Jeff, Mike, and Lyndsay Olenych; a sister, Pat (Don) Siembieda of Youngstown; and several nieces and nephews.

Kay’s husband Charles Olenych, whom she married June 16, 1951, passed away March 11, 1981. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Amelia “Ruby” Benedict and Veronica Volosin, and brothers, Walter and Steve Kunovic.

Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 26, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, and will continue with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Brendan Church, 2800 Oakwood Ave., Youngstown.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where Kay will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Kay’s family thanks her nurses at Hospice House, Beth, Lori, Diane, and Tammy, for helping her complete her final journey. Memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s name to Hospice of the Valley / Hospice House, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.