Kathy A. (“Kata”) Cvetkovich

Kathy A. "Kata" Cvetkovich, 63, of Kennedy Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2018.

She was born March 15, 1954, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to the late Gerald and Katherine Golubic Willbur. She was an interior designer, owner and Senior Designer of Willowbrook Design, specializing in kitchens and baths. She earned a degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and began her career at the prestigious Trimont on Mt. Washington. She went on to create model homes for builders as well as many new residences, and became increasingly intrigued with the complexities and challenges involved with exclusive designs for kitchens and baths. This led her to work with two well- known kitchen design firms in Pittsburgh and then to finally establish Willowbrook Design. 

Kathy was a member of Holy Ghost Orthodox Church, Ambridge, Lodge 1 "Svi Sveti" of the Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU) and was a former member of Lodge 533 "Sv. Ivan Krst" of Battle Creek, Mich., and the Croatian National Hall Javor. In addition, she was a member of the Aliquippa Croatian Center, where she recently proudly exhibited her artistic flair by designing and remodeling their social hall. Along with her treasured girlfriends, she was a member of their "Bad Girls Club." With Kathy's love for her proud Croatian heritage, and passion for promoting and perpetuating its traditions and folklore, she founded, managed, performed and toured with several folklore ensembles in the Pittsburgh area, including Ensemble Svadba and most recently, Folklore Ensemble LJELJO, of which she also served as President. In the past, she also performed with the Sloga Tamburitzans of Farrell, Pa., Adria of Cleveland, Ohio, and Kumovi of Pittsburgh. 

Kathy's bright, upbeat personality, zest for life, strength and unwavering faith have been an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Memory eternal, dear Kata; may the pain and emptiness in our hearts soon be filled with memories of the joy and love you brought to each and every one of us whose lives you so beautifully touched. 

Surviving are her devoted and loving husband of 18 years, Dragoljub "Drago" Cvetkovich; a stepson, Jason Cvetkovich of Beaver; her brother and sister-in-law, Mark (Sue) Willbur of Midland, Mich.; a niece, Kimberly Willbur of East Lansing, Mich. and her partner, Brian Ernst of Davison, Mich.; two nephews, Matthew (Mary) Willbur of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Travis Willbur and his fiancé, Jordan Dix of Wilmington, N.C.; her beloved dog, Pogo; and a multitude of loving friends whom she considered family. 

Friends will be received Monday, February 12, 2018, from 2 to 4 and from 6 until the time of the Parastas service at 7:30 p.m. in the JOHN SYKA FUNERAL HOME INC., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Translation of the body will follow at 8 p.m. to Holy Ghost Orthodox Church, where family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, February 13, at 10 a.m. with her pastor, the Very Rev. William J. Evansky, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Folklore Ensemble LJELJO, 143 Bigham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 to the attention of Sam Trichtinger. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathy A. (“Kata”) Cvetkovich, please visit our floral store.