Sophia Pauline Kennehan

Sophia Pauline Helt Kennehan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida. Born on February 27, 1946, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Sophia was the cherished daughter of Edward and Pauline Kuno Helt and wife to Warren Kennehan (53 years). She was surrounded by her loving family during her final moments.

Sophia's journey through life was marked by her unwavering faith, dedication to family, and commitment to education. She graduated from Williamsport High School in 1964 and pursued higher education at Lock Haven University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education in 1968 and completing her graduate work thru Potsdam State University in 1974.

In 1970, Sophia married Warren Richard Kennehan in Philadelphia, New York. Their enduring love and partnership were a testament to their shared values and commitment. Together, they raised three sons: Richard Alan (Sheri) of Springfield, MO; Edward Anthony (Kate) of Dayton, OH; and Warren Robert (Becky) of Plano, TX. Sophia’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren Caleb, Luke, Liam, William, and Caroline, who brought her immense pride & joy. 

Sophia is survived by her three sons and their families, as well as her brothers Walter (Cindy) and Edward Helt of Williamsport, PA. Cousins Carol Speciale (Harry), Richard Babowicz & Kay Robinson and loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Pauline Helt and brother Stanley.

Sophia is also survived by her loyal 21-year-old pet dog, Charlie. The bond between Sophia and Charlie was unbreakable, with Charlie faithfully at her side always. 

Sophia began her teaching career at Carthage Central School, where she taught physical education to grades 7-12 from 1968 to 1976. She was instrumental in coaching various team sports and helping initiate the girls' interscholastic athletics at the school. 

In 1985, Sophia embarked on a new career as a real estate agent for Hopkins Homes. 

In 1996, after taking several years off to raise her three boys, she returned to Carthage Central School where she tutored students that were unable to attend school in the traditional classroom setting. Her passion for education extended to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to students from foreign countries.

A devout Catholic, Sophia was deeply involved in St. James Catholic Church in Carthage, NY, where she actively volunteered and supported the church and the Carthage Augustinian Academy. Her faith was evident in her daily life, and she served as a role model of love, generosity, and service to her family and community.

Upon Warren’s retirement from Carthage Central School, the couple relocated to Lakeland, Florida, in 2005, while continuing to spend summers in upstate New York. She made many close friends in Lakeland and very much enjoyed her time with them. 

Proud of her Polish heritage, Sophia was fluent in Polish and often delighted family and friends with her Polish heritage. Her roots were a source of immense pride and joy, infusing her life with rich traditions and a deep sense of identity. Sophia took great pride in making homemade pierogies, a cherished family recipe she lovingly passed down to her grandchildren. Her legacy of tradition, love, and culinary artistry will continue to live on in the hearts and kitchens of the Kennehan family. 

Sophia was known among her friends and family for her unwavering thoughtfulness and genuine care for others. She had a unique way of making everyone feel special and remembered, no matter the occasion. 

One of her most cherished habits was her dedication to mailing cards to those that she cared about. Sophia had an extensive collection of greeting cards for every possible event. She would spend hours selecting the perfect card for each person, often adding personal notes that were heartfelt and meaningful. Her handwriting was impeccable, and her words were always chosen with great care, reflecting her deep understanding of the recipient's personality and life. 

In addition to her beautifully penned cards, Sophia was famous for her baked specialties. Her kitchen was always filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goods. Sophia had a knack for creating treats that were not only delicious but also made with love. She would often surprise her friends and family with homemade confections and pastries, delivering them personally with a warm smile and a cheerful “Dzień Dobry!” 

Her actions had a ripple effect, inspiring those around her to adopt similar practices of thoughtfulness and kindness. Sophia’s legacy was not just in the tangible items she gave, but in the lasting impression of love and consideration she left on everyone she encountered. Her life was a testament to the power of small, thoughtful gestures in creating a more compassionate world.

Sophia’s enduring love for her family was captured in a heartfelt document she wrote for her grandchildren and future generations to follow, with insights into their ancestors and the Kennehan family legacy. In her own words, she wrote:

“My life has been very blessed with a great upbringing, good health, wonderful friends and a loving husband and family. My greatest joys have been being married to a wonderful man and having the joy of rearing three children, each of them a joy unto themselves. Richard, Edward, and Warren Robert, all named for loved family members. I lacked for nothing in this life and wish the same for all that come after me.”

Sophia Kennehan’s life was a testament to her deep faith, commitment to family, and dedication to serving others. Her memory will be forever cherished by all who knew her.

May Sophia rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life.

A memorial mass will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, July 12,2024 at St. James Catholic Church in Carthage. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 noon until 1:00pm. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Carthage. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.