Obituaries

Martha Cecilia Hinkel, 89, of Lakeside Park, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Born in Covington, Kentucky, on November 22, 1936, Martha carried with her a deep appreciation for her Catholic faith, family, friends, and community throughout her life. She attended St. Mary’s Cathedral grade school and LaSalette Academy in Covington.

Martha worked at McAlpin’s in downtown Cincinnati for 26 years, spending much of that time as hostess in the Tea Room, where her warmth, kindness, and welcoming nature left a lasting impression and helped form many lifelong connections. In addition, some of Martha’s dearest friendships began in first grade and continued for the rest of her life.

Martha enjoyed her monthly card games and Bunko gatherings, but what she valued most was the joy and companionship they offered. Even in her final days, she continued reaching out to those friends by phone, a reflection of the love and loyalty she so freely gave.

Above all, Martha’s greatest joy was her family. As a devoted older sister, she shared an enduring bond with her brother, Paul, and her sister, Marianne; their relationship remained a constant source of comfort, laughter and love throughout her life. That same nurturing spirit carried into the family she built, where Martha had a special way of making every gathering feel meaningful, genuine, and full of love and support. The traditions she created will continue to live on through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially Thanksgiving Bingo and birthday cupcakes for Jesus on Christmas. These simple, beloved moments are part of the legacy Martha leaves behind: a legacy of faith, love, humility, gratitude, and togetherness.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ann Haney; her loving husband, Bob; her daughter, Denise Cenedella; her son-in-law Dan Comp; her granddaughter, Shannon Comp; and her brother, Paul Haney.

She is survived by her children, Diane Comp, Dennis (Maria) Hinkel, and Donna Hinkel; her grandchildren, Jessica (Alex) Wise, Carly (Andrew) Hall, Sarah (Kory) Alexander, Philip (Courtney) Cenedella, Claire (Kyle) Tatum, Shelby (Brett) Micek, and Adam Comp; her great-grandchildren, Aiden Alexander, Aubrey Alexander, Finn Wise, Ava Wise, Cora Hall, Henry Hall, Rucker Tatum, Cooper Tatum, Ivy Micek, and Macy Micek; and her sister, Marianne (Dave) Meyer.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, with Mass beginning at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the Blessed Sacrament Undercroft.

In honor of Martha’s vibrant spirit, visitors are encouraged to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home.