Helen M. Kennedy

Helen M. Kennedy, 72, a longtime New Philadelphia resident, died Saturday, October 6, 2012 in Community Hospice House.

She was born April 21, 1940 at Dover, she was the daughter of the late Conrad and Grace Meryo Lamonica.

For more than 20 years, Helen served as office manager for both Ron Pissocra Realty and, as ownership transitioned, Pissocra Mathias Realty in New Philadelphia. She had also worked for a number of years as a dental assistant for Dr. Ley and Dr. Ley, Jr. at their Dover dental office.

A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and its former May Queen, Helen was also a 1958 graduate of the former St. Joseph High School where she was a varsity cheerleader for four years. She was an avid antique collector and loved tending to her flowers at home. Over the years, she also became a "#1 fan" of scores of Quaker and Rocket teams, following her husband, Allen R. "Al" Kennedy, through his coaching career. Helen and Al were married on December 22, 1960.

Along with her husband, Helen is survived by a loving family that includes: her son, Dr. Michael A. Kennedy and his fiance Mary E. M. Harris of Oxford; two grandchildren, Catherine A. "Kate" Kennedy and William M. Kennedy; two brothers, Conrad (Marie) Lamonica of Dover and Donald Lamonica of Sugarcreek; a special aunt, Carmy Margo of Strasburg; father-in-law, Roy Kennedy and his wife Marlene of Dennison. She was also very close to her nieces and nephews: Scott (Dani) Lamonica and family, Mandy (Tyson) Veidt and family, Donald Lamonica, Jr., Mark Lamonica and his friend Traci Gleaton, Darryl (Lori) Lamonica, and Jeanne (Stu) Shoenfelt.

In addition to her parents, two infant daughters, Beth Ann and Julie Ann, preceded Helen in death.

A service celebrating Helen's life will be held Thursday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover with Fr. Matt Hoover officiating. Interment will be in Dover's Calvary Cemetery. Following the burial, a meal will be prepared for family and friends at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center.

Friends may call in the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. A Christian Wake service will be held for the family at 5:30 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Helen by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia.