Lucinda Rae "Cindy" Kolanko

Lucinda Rae “Cindy” Kolanko passed away on Saturday May 10, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of her family after courageously facing complications from a stroke following hip replacement surgery two months ago. She was 72 years old.

Born on August 21, 1953, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Cindy was the daughter of the late Thomas Bate and Lucille Rumble Bate. Although she was born at the hospital in Waynesburg, her family was living in Dilliner, Pennsylvania at the time.

As the oldest of nine children, Cindy naturally stepped into the role of protector, helper, and steady presence for her brothers and sisters. The closeness she shared with her family remained one of the greatest constants throughout her life.

She graduated from Mapletown High School in Greensboro, PA and later devoted much of her life to caring for her home and family. Along the way, she also worked as a secretary at Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, WV, and later at Winn-Dixie after relocating to Florida.

On August 11, 1984, Cindy married the love of her life, Thad Richard Kolanko. Their love story was built on devotion, loyalty, and family. Though they dated only a few short months before marrying, they created a marriage filled with enduring memories and unwavering support for one another. Together they built a home centered around their children and grandchildren, first in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where they lived for 28 years, and later back in Thad’s hometown of Weirton, West Virginia.

Family was the heart of Cindy’s world. She would do anything for those she loved, and nothing brought her greater happiness than having everyone together. She especially treasured Christmas, joyfully hosting large family gatherings that welcomed family members and friends into her home. Those evenings, filled with laughter, food, cookies, stories, and togetherness, became treasured traditions that her family will carry forward for generations.

Cindy enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved leisurely shopping trips to Walmart, Kmart, Kohl’s, and Bealls Outlet, often spending more time browsing than buying. Though she lived near the ocean for many years, she preferred admiring the beach from a distance rather than sitting in the sand. More than anything, she loved simply being home, surrounded by family and the comfort of familiar faces.

She will be remembered with love by her husband, Thad; her children, Melissa Kolanko, Amy (Thomas) Jurkiewicz, and Michael Kolanko; her five grandchildren, Elektra, Hannah, Ethan, Autumn, and Hayleigh; and her great-grandchildren, Kallai and Devaeh.

Also surviving are her siblings: James “Jim” Bate, Thomas “Tom” Bate, Robert “Bob” Bate, Pamela Morgan, Mary Jo Reynolds, Paula Morgan, and Jennifer Kerns.
In addition to her parents, Cindy was preceded in death by her brother Roy Bate, her brother-in-law Bill Reynolds, Bill Kerns, and sisters in law, Kathy Bate.

A public Celebration of Life honoring Cindy will be held on Saturday May 23, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the family home on Palisades Drive in Weirton. Family, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were touched by Cindy are warmly invited to attend, share memories, and celebrate a life devoted to family, love, and togetherness. Light refreshments, including homemade cookies made by her daughter, and hors d’oeuvres, will be served.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Valley Hospice for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Cindy and her family during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Valley Hospice.

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