Kathryn Mary (Kinas) Hilliker

January 22, 1965 ~ August 2, 2024 (age 59)

Kathryn M. Hilliker (Kathy), aged 59, of South Bend, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, in the same city where she first saw the world on January 22, 1965. Born to the late Robert E. Kinas Sr. and Nora A. (O'Banion) Kinas, Kathy's life was a testament to her enduring strength and the deep love she held for her family.

A proud graduate of LaSalle High School, Kathy’s work ethic shone brightly throughout her career. For over 35 years, she dedicated herself as a press operator at Techniplas in Mishawaka, where her diligence and commitment were well-known and respected by her colleagues and the broader community.

Kathy's life was rich with the joy of family and the simple pleasures of life. She is survived by her loving sons, Brian (Carly) Thornton of LaPorte and William Thornton of Mishawaka, who will forever cherish the memories of their devoted mother. Her grandson, Cameron, was the apple of her eye, and she reveled in every moment spent with him. Kathy’s legacy of love also lives on through her siblings, Roxann (Nate) Rettinger of LaPorte, Vicky Smous of South Bend, and Robert (Angi) Kinas Jr of North Liberty, who will miss her deeply.

Kathy's passions extended beyond her family. She was an avid gardener, finding peace and contentment in the blooms and bounty of her garden. Camping trips with her family were among her most treasured experiences, filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of the campfire on the cold fall nights. Kathy also loved the beach and enjoyed the family vacations they all took together. Her sons and grandson were the center of her universe, and she instilled in them the values of strength, love, and family unity.

A woman of vibrant tastes, Kathy loved the colors purple and red, which reflected her bold spirit and warm heart. Her strength was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her resilience in the face of life's challenges was a source of admiration.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Robert E. Kinas Sr., whose memory she held close to her heart, a brother in-law Kenneth Smous, and a nephew Matthew Moore. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the impact she made on the lives of those around her will continue to be felt for generations to come. 

Funeral services for Kathy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 8, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and again on Friday, August 9, one hour prior to the service. Graveside service and burial will immediately follow the service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in South Bend. 

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

08/06/2024 DEC

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Kathryn-Hilliker