Helen Marie Kendra

Surrounded by her loving family, Helen Kendra, 85, of Mt. Pleasant, SC passed away peacefully on October 9, 2014. She was the beloved wife for 55 years of Andrew John Kendra, who preceded her in death in 2003. Daughter of the late Ignatius and Mary Gorney. Deeply caring Mother of Joanne O'Shea (Bill), Kathy Meddick (Bob), and Chris Kendra (Peg), all of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Andrea Harkenrider (Kevin) of San Diego, CA. Loving Grandmother of Shannon Tant (Edward), Kevin O'Shea, Caitlin and Matthew Harkenrider, Jessica Meddick, and Allison and Daniel Kendra. Proud Great Grandma of Mary Grace and Andrew Sullivan Nofsinger.

Helen was raised an only child in Pittsburgh, PA, where she met the love of her life, Andy. Together they raised four children, who have happy memories of Florida vacations, traveling through the back roads of the South, having sing-a-longs, stopping at roadside fruit and ice cream stands, and always accompanied by Helen's parents.

Helen's life story was the Andy and Helen story; their strong marriage serving them as they left their roots in Pittsburgh for a job transfer to West Virginia. After retiring, they followed their children to their newly adopted hometown of Charleston. Together they enjoyed golfing, boating, traveling, and, most of all, entertaining their family and friends. Helen's Polish heritage inspired delicious stuffed cabbage and pierogie dinners along with heavenly nut rolls and kruschiki cookies.

Helen spent her later years at Franke at Seaside, then Somerby of Mt. Pleasant. Helen's third floor at the Franke Trailside building became known as the 'party floor' as she instigated regular happy hours filled with fun and friendship. Helen remained a beautiful woman at 85, and will be remembered for her indomitable and independent spirit, hilarious observations on life, and uncanny accuracy in reading people.

She was known for her thoughtful and generous nature. Helen was a "professional" shopper, even being greeted by name in TJ Maxx! Her unique fashion sense and decorating style often drew high praise from friends. Helen met her advancing years with a resolve to overcome her ailments and keep enjoying her life. Her trademark humor and spirit remained until her last waking moments. These are among the many gifts and lasting legacy Helen leaves for her family.

Her family would like to thank Helen's many doctors and nurses and give special thanks to her deeply caring and compassionate caregivers at Franke and Somerby. The angels at Hospice of Charleston will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass at Christ Our King Catholic Church at 10:30 am on October 16, 2014. Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell will immediately follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, 1308 Mathis Ferry Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Association SC Chapter, 2090 Executive Hall Road, Suite 130 Charleston, SC 29407, or Hospice of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.