Catherine Margaret Bolka

Catherine Bolka, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on Easter Sunday surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she lived her life making those around her feel loved and cared for. She was born the youngest of four children on October 2nd, 1931 to Richard and Catherine Griffin. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she met her beloved husband of 65 years, Ed Bolka. In 1958 she and Ed moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and after brief stops around the country, they settled in Oklahoma City and made a life for themselves and their five children. Catherine saw the good in everything and everyone around her. She loved a good story, good film, good laugh, and a good glass of wine. She was a devout member of St. Eugene's Catholic Church, and an active volunteer at Mercy Hospital for many years. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending quality time with her numerous and cherished friends. Nothing was more important to her than her home and family. She was the ultimate hostess and had a passion for serving others. Inside her home you were made to feel like the most important person in the world. She will be lovingly remembered by her family: husband Edward Bolka of Oklahoma City; daughter Debra Bolka of Oklahoma City; son Michael Bolka and wife Lori of Edmond; son Richard Bolka and wife Johna of Dallas, TX; daughter Susie Rischard and husband Denis of Oklahoma City; and brother William Griffin of Chicago. She will also be greatly missed by her 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, sister in-law Lois McCabe, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. She will be welcomed in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Kennedy; brother, James Griffin; brother-in-law, Jack McCabe; granddaughters Katie Bolka and Lucy Rischard; and youngest daughter Patricia Bolka, whom she is likely enjoying a hamburger with at the golden arches in heaven. An evening prayer service will be held at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 3rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 4th at 10:30 am at St. Eugene's Catholic Church. A special thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their wonderful care. In lieu flowers contributions made be made to the Mercy Foundation and St. Eugene's Catholic Church in Catherine's honor.