Audrey Joan Kinka

Audrey Joan Kinka, 99, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at her granddaughter’s home in West Chester. 

She was the beloved wife of the late Leo Kinka. Born in Pottsville, PA, on May 14, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Penberth and the late Kathryn Carmichael Penberth. 

Audrey grew up in Pottsville, where she developed her deep-rooted values of faith, family, and perseverance. She built a successful career at the Wharton Graduate School at the University of Pennsylvania, where her dedication, professionalism, and keen organizational skills earned her great respect.

A woman of strong faith, Audrey was a proud member of  Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Villas, NJ. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cherishing family gatherings, walks on the Cape May promenade, playing solitaire daily, and her nightly ice cream treat. Whether deepening her connection with God through Bible study or cheering passionately for Philadelphia sports teams, she embraced every moment with love and enthusiasm. However, nothing brought her greater joy than watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren find happiness, celebrating each milestone with pride. 

Audrey shared a deep, unwavering love for her siblings. They were her lifelong confidants, her greatest cheerleaders, and her dearest friends. Whether through laughter, long conversations, or loving support, she treasured every moment with them and held their bond close to her heart. 

Her legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her grandchildren: Jackie (Allen) Churchman, Raymond (Leanna) McKenzie, Dan McKenzie, Maureen McKenzie, and Katelyn McKenzie; her great-grandchildren: Taylor, Nolan, Ashley, Elle, Quinn, Ryan, and Mercy; her brother Bob Penberth (Jackie); her son-in-law Bill Schwegel; her dear friend Joan Babiak and her many cherished nieces and nephews. Audrey embraced family in all its forms, cherishing also David and Arlene Kinka as well as the McNamara Family, whom she loved as her own. 

She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Leo Kinka, her daughters, Audrey (Ray) McKenzie and Bobbie Carbo-Schwegel, as well as her sisters Peg (Carl) Viggiano, Corky (Dan) Kee, and Evelyn Skyrm; sister-in-law, Betsy Penberth.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380; followed by her Celebration of Life at 11:00 am.

Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com