Racine – Cynthia J. (nee: Hempel) Valko, 57, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and best friend on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 following a courageous 8-month battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Cynthia was born in Racine on December 11, 1954 to Jacob and Beverly (nee: Wright) Hempel. She attended the schools of Holy Trinity and St. Catherine's High School. Years later, she went on to earn her nursing degree from Gateway Technical College.

On March 30, 1974 in St. Edward Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, John Raymond Valko, Jr.

With a profound Catholic faith, she was a dedicated member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. Passionate about caring for others, Cindy was employed as a nurse at Ridgewood Care Center. She was also a member of AFSME Local 310. Cindy was an extreme shopper, gifted flower gardener and phenomenal cook. She loved the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, by hosting spectacular celebration dinners at her home for family and friends. Above all, Cindy was happiest while being in the surroundings of her entire family. As hard as it was for her due to her illness, she fulfilled her dream of taking her grandchildren to Disney World this past June.

Surviving are her loving husband of 38 years, John, Jr.; their  sons, John (Danyele) Valko III and Michael (Stephany) Valko; grandchildren, Alexandrea Rodriguez; Brenden and Naythenn Valko; beloved mother, Beverly Hempel; brothers, Randy Hempel and Tim (Joyce) Hempel; sisters-in-law, Debra (Ron) Scott and Terri (Jim) Bodnar; nieces, nephews, other relatives, her loving dogs, Rocky and Roxanne and her very special friends, Jeff  and Renee Nelson along with many, many other friends – too numerous to mention by name.

Cindy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward and Della Wright, her father, Jacob Hempel; John's parents, John Sr. and Arlene "Mickey" Valko and her beloved dogs, Splosh, Benji and Bree.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park.  Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-7 pm (Prayer Service at 7 pm with Rev. Kevin Mieczkowski) and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Cindy, memorials to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the family have been suggested.

A special note of thanks to my daughter-in-laws Danyele Valko, Stephany Valko and my son's John and Michael for their devoted care during this illness and to Dr. Michael Mullane and the entire staff at Aurora Cancer Care for their loving and compassionate care; to Wheaton Franciscan Hospital– Hospice and the Oncology Floor 2D where Cindy was treated with great compassion and care during a recent 15-day stay; to Dr. Ben  George, and his entire staff at Froedtert Hospital for the compassionate care and support given in Cindy's time of need and to Dr. Ned Mejalli for his loving care during the many years as her primary care physician. Also, our sincere gratitude to all our family and friends for the food, gifts, prayers and other acts of kindness offered during the past several months. May God bless all of you!