Katinka Maloy Keith, 84, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away after a brief illness on January 1, 2026, at Friendship Village, surrounded by loved ones.

Katinka was born on August 3, 1941, in Waterloo, the eldest child of the late R. Victor and Marian (Williams) Maloy. She attended Waterloo East High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Parsons College.

After working as a social worker in New York City, Katinka returned to Waterloo and married the late George D. Keith in 1967. Together they raised two children, Andrew and Elizabeth. During these years, Katinka was deeply involved in the community through volunteer roles with the Junior League, League of Women Voters, KUNI fundraisers, the Waterloo Children’s Playhouse, and several political campaigns.

Katinka later furthered her education, earning a master’s degree in social work with honors from the University of Iowa in 1987. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker in public and private practices for more than 38 years, retiring this past April. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of hundreds of clients and colleagues.

Katinka was preceded in death by her parents and her former husband.

She is survived by her son, Andrew (Elizabeth) Keith of Gaithersburg, Maryland; her daughter, Elizabeth (Brad) Walker of Western Springs, Illinois; five granddaughters-Victoria and Lydia Keith, and Lillian, Anna, and Tess Walker-who knew her as “Oma”; her sister, Sara Maloy Gabbard of Gainesville, Florida; her brother, Bob (Sharon) Maloy of Ankeny, Iowa; and a very special cousin, Priscilla Webster-Williams of Durham, North Carolina; and many other relatives, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

People rarely forgot Katinka-not only because of her uncommon name, but because of her quiet flair, quick wit and infectious delight in sharing her passions. These included witty nicknames for loved ones (most enduringly her daughter “Cricket”), alliterative messages and notes, the love of puns, pink Chuck Taylors, cherished traditions like fireplace dinners, an extensive collection of mystery novels, and a lifelong fascination with kaleidoscopes. The family especially treasures the memory of Katinka leading everyone outside to celebrate her 80th birthday by blowing colorful bubbles across the front lawn. She will be deeply, deeply missed.

A memorial service will be scheduled for Spring/Summer 2026.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Public Library, Iowa Public Radio, Planned Parenthood or the First Congregational Church.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Condolences may be shared at lockefuneralservices.com.