Obituary of Sophie A. Kieffer

Sophie A. Kieffer Elmira: Age 88, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the Chemung County Nursing Facility. Sophie was born June 9, 1924 in Eastport, Long Island, a daughter of John and Anna (Wowk) Diachun. She is predeceased by her siblings, Mary Gajowski, Pauline Sirko, Katherine Johnson, Theadore Diachun, and Annie Brocki. Sophie is survived by her husband of 68 years J. Arthur Kieffer; son James A. Kieffer, Nashua NH; daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Harold Owens, Horseheads; grandchildren, Justin, Ryan and Brendan Kieffer; sisters, Stella Mackno, Riverhead NY, Dorothy Kwasnieski, Middletown DE, Minnie Skudlarek, Eastport NY; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Sophie was a long time communicant of St. Casimir's Church, where she was a member of the Rosary and Sacred Heart Society. She was also a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. Having quite the green thumb, Sophie was a member of the American Dahlia Society, Southern Tier Dahlia Society and the Southern Tier Rose Society. Sophie helped organize the March of Dimes fund raisers and campaigned for it in her neighborhood. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, May 10, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Casimir's Church. Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Sophie with a donation to either, March of Dimes, Central New York, 329 N Salina Street, Suite 304, Syracuse NY 13203 or American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City NY 13790.