Irene M. (Sopko) Martinka

Irene "I" (Sopko) Martinka, 94, of Tarentum, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 1, 2018 in her home. She was born February 3rd, 1924, in New Kensington, to the late Michael and Mary (Petras) Sopko. Irene was a member of Holy Martyrs Parish, Tarentum. She was a former member of the Slovak Gymnastics Unions, New Kensington and the YMCA, Natrona Heights. She was an excellent baker and cook. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, macrameing, gardening, canning, swimming, ice skating, caring for wildlife outside her home and loving her two cats, Kitty and Tuxey. But above all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren the most.
She is survived by her 5 children. Susan (Harry) Heigl of Sylacauga, Alabama, Thomas (Rhonda) Martinka of Wellsburg, West Virginia, Nancy (Charlie) Allen of Freeport, Sharon (Dwayne) Altman of Maui, Hawaii and Mary Jo (Thomas) Kanzic of Natrona Heights; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; two brothers Mike (Julie) Sopko of New Kensington; and John (Irene) Sopko of Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Joseph Martinka in 1995 and her sister Ann (Joseph) Wisniewski of New Kensington.
The family wants to thank her wonderful caregivers, Alycia, Amber, Heidi, Jenn, Keely, Koreen, Lisa, Sherri and Stacie and the staff of 365 Hospice.
At Irenes request, there will be no viewing. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Bakerstown Road, Tarentum, followed by a luncheon at Holy Martyrs Parish Church Hall, Tarentum.
At the request of Irene, contributions can be made to the Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 533 Linden Avenue, New Kensington, Pa. 15068. Arrangements are under the care of the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., Natrona Heights . 724-224-8688. To send an on line condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.