Wings of Hope Western PA founder remembered for grace, determination while battling cancer
Tina Honkus, 68, is being remembered by friends as a 'warrior princess' who faced her pancreatic cancer diagnosis with grace and determination.
Stacie Hickman, a State Farm insurance agent, said she will remember Honkus' tenacity on how she approached everything in her life.
'She found a way to bring out her knowledge and her experiences and elevate whatever the situation was whether it was selling Girl Scout cookies or raising money for her nonprofit or mentoring young business owners,' she said. 'She could make everything bigger, better and brighter.'
Hickman said Honkus has inspired her to be involved, to make a difference and to push the ordinary.
'She pushed you to get out of your comfort zone and to make something impactful,' she said.
'She ran marathons with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, so it just goes to show you that anything that comes your way you can handle if you have right attitude and mentality.'
Honkus was employed by MetLife for 38 years, rising from the mailroom to the position of vice president of the Human Resource Service Center.
She was the founder of Wings of Hope Western PA, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to those battling cancer.
Honkus served on several community boards, and was honored by YWCA Greater Johnstown with its Tribute to Women award.
She also penned 'Pennies of Hope,' a memoir which chronicled her cancer journey.
'She touched so many lives in our community in one way or another, and I think everyone who knew her is better for knowing her,' said Andi Palmar, founder of Operation BeYoutiful. 'She made an impact on my life as a fellow nonprofit organizer, and through Wings of Hope she had many of our recipients, so she was able to meet other women who were going through similar battles as she was and help them.'
She said Honkus' zest for life and will to live was extraordinary.
'She exemplified 'live like you're dying' because she did everything she wanted to do,' Palmar said. 'She ran marathons, she traveled, she spent time with her family and she was out in the community.'
Eileen Graham, who worked with Honkus through the Stiletto Network, said she loved working with Honkus on community projects.
'She was the most positive, inspirational person and just full of perseverance,' she said.
'She was the most unselfish person I've ever met. She was beautiful inside and out, and would do anything for anybody.'
Graham said Honkus lived everyday to the fullest.
'She's going to leave a long-lasting mark on this community,' she said.
'She's going to be missed by so many people, but she will never be forgotten.'
Arrangements are being handled by Hoffman Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Davidsville.
Kelly Urban is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. She can be reached at 814-532-5073. Follow her on Twitter @KellyUrban25.
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