Kathleen (nee Hornby) Ponyicsanyi, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in the comforting presence of her daughters.
Born on March 29, 1945, in Milwaukee to the late Chester and Hilma (nee Mustonen) Hornby, Kathy lived a life full of love and adventure. Kathy’s journey began in Lake Mills, where she graduated from high school in 1963. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to UW LaCrosse and later to the Manpower Business Training Center. On December 19, 1964, she married the love of her life, Thomas Ponyicsanyi, in Fort Atkinson, WI. Together, they built a life filled with joy and shared experiences including golf, fishing, bridge, concerts and casino trips. Kathy appreciated living close to family, Tom’s parents and siblings, Jim and Cathy. Tom, her devoted husband of 47 years, predeceased her, leaving behind cherished memories of their time together.
Kathy’s life was marked by her rewarding role as secretary at Lakeview Elementary School, where she began working in 1975. For 26 years, she brought warmth to her position, forming lifelong friendships and touching the lives of countless children. Even after retiring in 2002, she substituted in the Whitewater School District for another decade.
Her vibrant personality and zest for life were evident in every aspect of her being. An adventurous traveler, she explored the world with her dear friend Bonnie and embraced every opportunity for new experiences. In her childhood, she spent countless hours with her cousin, Nancy, who she considered a sister.
Kathy was an enthusiastic participant in numerous groups, including the Red Hats, First English Lutheran Church committees/thrift shop and volunteering at UWW theater and local voting sites. She was a familiar face on the golf course or pickleball court and a bridge enthusiast. Her love for rummage sales, clearance racks, and parties was well-known, and she never hesitated to celebrate life’s moments.
Kathy’s legacy lives on through her loving family: daughters, Debby (Shawn) Geary and Betsy (Rob) Stangel; grandchildren, Raechel (Nicholas) Waletich, Kimberly Geary, Cullen (Nicole) Stangel, and Benjamin (Ellie) Stangel; and great-grandchildren, William, Jack, and a soon-to-arrive baby girl Stangel; nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.
SERVICE: A service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church, located at 401 W Main St, Whitewater, WI.
VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends at the church Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice or First English Lutheran Church in her memory.
Her bright smile and kind heart left a mark on all who knew her. Kathy will be remembered for her unwavering love, her boundless enthusiasm for life, and her ability to bring joy to everyone around her. The family is grateful for all the caring people who touched her in last years of life including Terri, Sofia, Maria, Janet, Aubrey and Aubrye, the amazing Zilber Team and the compassionate providers at St. Luke’s Milwaukee.
Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with Kathleen’s care.
