Catherine Anne Smykacz

Smykacz, Catherine Anne, 80, homemaker, retired legal secretary for the Sisters of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, September 20, 2012. Born February 22, 1932 in Bribir, Yugoslavia, Catherine immigrated to the United States with her mother when she was 5 years old. They settled in the Croatian community in St. Louis, MO. She married Norbert Smykacz on Feb. 19, 1955. They had 57 wonderful years together. She is survived by her husband, Norbert, daughters, Margaret Anne (Carl) Detmer, Rene (Mike) Smith, Suzanne (Randy) Vandenhul, sons Joseph and Richard Smykacz; grandchildren Kyle, Cara, and Katie Detmer, Caitlin, Adam, Luke and Nicholas Smith, Max and Wyatt Vandenhul; brother Stanley Pozaric. Catherine was a charter member of SEAS Catholic Church, serving on the altar society, Fine Arts Committee, Compassion Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry and many more. She was also a faithful friend and supporter of the Sisters of the Discalced Carmelites. Catherine was a loving inspirational wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her faith. She was a light to everyone that knew her. She will be greatly missed. Visitation will be 2-4pm at Downing Lahey West, 10515 W. Maple Wichita, KS Sunday, Sept. 23. Rosary will be at 7pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Sunday, Sept 23. Funeral Mass will be 10am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Monday Sept. 24. Memorials are established at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or Discalced Carmelite Sisters c/o Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com