Hedvika Rudolfa Kratky

Hedvika R. Kratky, born Novak, was born in Czechoslovakia on August 1, 1931, and peacefully died at Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Pinellas Park on September 28, 2026, at 4:05 pm. Hedrika “Hedy” and her younger sister Jirina, grew up in a middle-class family. She admired both of her parents, especially her father Josef who encouraged her to get an education. As a young woman, Hedy became a bookkeeper which served her well as a profession in former Czechoslovakia, as well as in the USA where she and her husband George immigrated in 1970.

George and Hedy arrived during the wintertime in New York City with two teenage daughters, Jarmila “Jackie” and Marcela “Marci”.

Hedy had many interests in life – she was an animal lover and enjoyed gardening. She was also a great storyteller with an amazing memory of events, places and people. She enjoyed talking about her childhood, travels, and visits with her family and friends. Rarely would she mention sad events such as living through WWII or communism.

She and George made USA their new home and enjoyed their lifestyle of hard work but also enjoyed retirement in Florida.

Hedy is survived by her two daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandsons, four granddaughters-in-law, one granddaughter, one grandson-in-law, and four great-grandsons. Her family very much enjoyed visiting with Hedy and George in Florida especially during school winter breaks.

Hedy will be missed by her surviving family, but she is now reunited with her beloved George who passed away in 2016.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date.