Vinka Winifred Papac Ball passed away peacefully in her home at Town and Country Manor on December 17, 2015. Vinka was born in Los Angeles, CA May 6, 1926. Her parents, Robert and Madeline Papac moved the family to Del Rey, CA where Vinka grew up. She graduated from the University of California Berkley in 1947, and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Vinka taught elementary school in Sanger, CA and San Francisco until 1954 when she moved to Orange County with her husband Dr. Robert E. Ball. They settled in Santa Ana and raised a family to include 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

As a vivacious member of the Orange County community, Vinka belonged and held leadership positions in the Assistance League of Santa Ana, the Orange County Medical Association Auxiliary, the Ebel Club and the Tustin Garden Club. She gave generously of her time and energy to St. Cecilia Parish in Tustin with volunteer support to St. Cecilia's school and later to the church Lay Ministry.

The true light and joy in Vinka's life came from her family which she considered "perfect in all ways". Her unconditional love, strength, heartfelt warmth and steadfast support as a wife, a sister, an aunt, mother, grandmother and great grandmother were given unselfishly…a true gift and treasured legacy to be passed on. She will be missed enormously by family, friends and community. Her memory forever honored as a beautiful woman of style, grace and generosity with a joyful spirit.

A memorial mass will be celebrated in Vinka's honor on Friday January 29, 2016 at 10 o'clock at St. Cecilia's Church, 1301 Sycamore Ave., Tustin, CA 92780.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Vinka Papac Ball to St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation in Support of the Mother Baby Assessment Center, 1100 Stewart Dr., Orange, CA 92868.