AUSTINTOWN - Kathleen J. Mikolaj, 59, passed away Thursday morning, July 25, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Kathleen, who was affectionately known as Kathy, was born June 23, 1965, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Joseph and Carole Murphy Weir and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, Class of 1983. Kathy devoted her life to her family, raising and caring for them with unwavering love. Alongside her role at home, she worked for over a decade at Vinylume in Austintown, where she met her future husband, Cyril.

Kathy was a member of St. Christine Church in Youngstown. She was also active in the community through the Youngstown Maennerchor Club, where she contributed to many events and projects, and the Austintown FOE Aerie 3298 and Youngstown FOE Aerie 213.

Kathy had a passion for arts and crafts and was renowned for her delicious homemade jellies and hot peppers. She found joy in canning and sharing her creations with loved ones. Above all, Kathy cherished the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, creating memories filled with love and laughter.

Kathy is survived by her two daughters, Nicole Hinchcliffe of Hubbard and Michelle Mikolaj of Austintown; four step daughters, Angel Sanders, Melissa Igo, Ashley Mikolaj and Cassandra Mikolaj; five grandchildren, Kayli, Michael, Annabella, Cali and Hendrix; six siblings, Linda Messing of Canfield, Colleen (Steve) Biroschak of Austintown, her twin, Karen (Jim) Beeman of Hiram, Joe (Korriena) Weir of Austintown, Mike (Nadine) Weir of Austintown and Maureen (John) Eller of Glenville, New York; many nieces and nephews; many great nieces and great nephews;  her canine companions, Frankie Girl and Lola and many, many friends.

Kathy's kindness, creativity, and dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her husband of 12 years, Cyril M. Mikolaj, whom she married November 26, 2008, died November 26, 2020.

Two sisters, Michelle Weir and Patricia Weir, a grandson, Philip and a brother-in-law, Rolly Messing preceded Kathy in death.

Family and friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Kinnick Funeral Home 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a funeral service will be held at 6 p.m.

Private entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday.

Kathy's family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Devine and Dr. Daniel Ronci and the nurses and staff of St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital 7 West for their kindness shown and compassionate care given to Kathy during her brief illness.