By Bruce Barton

Mrs. Ina Korek was a talented artist, who family members described as giving and outgoing, and who lived to throw a good party.

Ina Korek, an active Los Altos resident whose contributions ranged from television work to music, art and community volunteering, died May 21 after a long battle with cancer. She was 70.

Mrs. Korek, named by the Town Crier among the 10 most influential people in Los Altos between 1977 and 1987, was a longtime volunteer at the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop on Main Street in Los Altos. She was also active in the American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Korek, born and raised in New York City, graduated from New York University and City University with a master’s degree in English. She found immediate success in television where she wrote, directed and produced programs. She was one of the first female members of the Directors Guild of America. Her husband of 41 years, Michael, noted Mrs. Korek was involved in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting during its first year.

Mrs. Korek continued television work upon moving to Los Altos with her family in 1971. She directed, produced and announced for the local television station KTEH and became known to many as “the voice of Channel 54.” She was at KTEH between seven and eight years. The station continued to play announcements with her voice three years after she had left KTEH, her husband said.

During the 1970s, Mrs. Korek also ran for the Los Altos City Council.

In the mid-1980s, Mrs. Korek embarked on a second career as an auditor for the State Fund, which handles workman’s compensation.

Mrs. Korek enjoyed playing piano, dancing, creating pottery and glasswork, and spending time with her grandchildren. An animal lover, Mrs. Korek also did work for the county Humane Society.

The family described Mrs. Korek as “a gracious hostess,” who loved to entertain. She gave annual New Year’s Eve and Oscar Night parties.

“She used to have three dozen ladies come in evening gowns,” Michael said of the annual Oscar Nights at the Korek household.

“Ina will best be remembered for her loving and generous demeanor, her wonderful sense of humor and her beautiful voice,” the Korek family said in a statement.

In recognizing her as one of 10 “community members who have made a difference” in 1977-87, the Town Crier noted Mrs. Korek “has quietly helped people and organizations in the community for years.”

“From working in the schools when her children were growing up to helping ‘neighbors’ everywhere else in Los Altos, she has always been where she was needed,” said friend Katharine Alexander in the 1997 recognition.

“She was only happy if she was giving in some way,” said daughter Cynthia Peterlin.

Peterlin remembered a tense time two and a half years ago when Mrs. Korek underwent surgery to remove a tumor in her back. “Here she was, in the ICU and in pain and she was worried about me,” Peterlin recalled. “She said, ‘Mike, give her the credit card, go to Nordstrom.’”

Peterlin emphasized that Mrs. Korek didn’t buy her children’s love, but that giving came as natural to her as breathing.

“She said my brother and I were her two best accomplishments,” Peterlin said. “It’s hard to lose a cheerleader like that.”

Mrs. Korek is survived by her husband, Michael; children, Brian Korek and Cynthia Peterlin; three grandchildren; and a sister, Louella.

A memorial service is set for 2 p.m., Friday, at Spangler’s Mortuary, 339 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. Guests can share stories in a memory book at the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Korek’s name can be made to Pets In Need, 873 Fifth Ave., Redwood City 94063; or the Cancer Control Society, 2043 N. Berendo St., Los Angeles 90027.