Kathryn Semenko

Kathryn Semenko, 95, of New Castle, passed into the arms of her Lord on Friday, February 3, 2023, lovingly surrounded by “her girls.”  Kathryn was born on January 3, 1928, in Yukon, Pennsylvania to the late Mile and Stana Basara Babich.  She was an exemplary homemaker, cooking, cleaning, and serving until well into her 80s.  She was a member of St. John’s Orthodox Church in Ambridge and spent countless hours making her signature pierogis, nut rolls, sarma, and lady locks for various fundraising events.  She faithfully volunteered for her church and local organizations during her years in Moon Twp. and Sewickley.  Her favorite place in the world was her camp, nestled in the forested mountains of Bradford, PA, and she spent many happy years there.  Kathryn was preceded in death by her cherished husband and life-partner of over 70 years, Jack Semenko; her beloved son, Rev. Michael Semenko; brothers Peter, George, Theodore, Michael, and Nicholas Babich; and sister Mildred Mamula.  Kathryn will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Melissa and Jeffrey Matrazzo, Stephanie and Ken Lauffer, Kristin and Christopher Shay; great-granddaughters Nadine and Tessa Lauffer and Lily Matrazzo;  surrogate great-grandson Michael Seals; daughter-in-law Sharon Semenko; sister Martha Skaljac; many beloved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, and life-long friends.  Kathryn will be remembered for her physical strength, work ethic, and generosity; for her culinary giftedness; and as a fiercely devoted and reliable mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, often dropping everything to serve her family in need.  She was incredibly proud of her Serbian heritage, and her granddaughters will miss her traditions and her nightly “laku noc” and I love you “Puno, puno, puno.”  She will forever be our Bubbie.  For 36 years Kathryn has deeply mourned the loss of her son, and more recently her beloved husband, and we rejoice at the thought of their heavenly reunion.  The family would like to thank Pastor Charles Brown of Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church in New Castle for his tender devotion to her during her final weeks.  His faithful attention and ministry helped transition her peacefully into the arms of her Savior, and we are eternally grateful.  We also thank the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver for their devoted care during her last days.  In honoring Kathryn’s wishes, there was no public visitation.  Private funeral services were held on Friday, February 10, at the John Syka Funeral home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.  Private interment followed at Resurrection cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made in Kathryn’s name to St. John’s Orthodox Church (450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge, PA 15003); Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church (1166 Church Alley, New Castle, PA 16101), and Good Samaritan Hospice, 1000 Dutch Ridge Road, 4th Floor, Beaver, PA 15009.  
 

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