Obituaries
Helen Marie Kline, 89
October 12, 2018
Small in stature and a giant in faith, Helen Marie (Sahd) Kline, 89, of Lancaster, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died Friday, Oct. 12, at Lancaster General Hospital with her family at her side. She was the beloved wife of William Francis Kline for 55 years until his death 10 years ago this month.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Anthony B. Sahd and Anna (Khoury) Sahd and spent most of her life in Lancaster County.
A homemaker who raised five children, she was a devout Roman Catholic who for decades made St. Leo the Great Church of Lancaster her home away from home. She was a dedicated founding member of the parish (in 1964) and founding member and past vice president of the Women’s Guild of St. Leo, member of St. Leo’s Friendship Club and chaired or co-chaired many events and activities at St. Leo’s, including the annual parish festival, card parties, dances and funeral luncheons.
She carried a radiant smile on her face and a prayer list in her pocket – and had an indomitable desire to help others. She prayed for everyone in need, even strangers she met who quickly became her friends. The sisters at the Dominican monastery in Lancaster called her “The Candle Lady” because of the hundreds and hundreds of candles of prayer she lit for others.
For her outstanding service and a lifetime of faith and love, she was named Woman of the Year by St. Leo’s in 1981, and she was honored in 2014 for 50 years of service to the parish.
And, of course, she loved the children of St. Leo’s, teaching Sunday school and always taking time after Mass to greet as many children as she could.
But more than anything, she loved her family – her children and grandchildren, who enjoyed eating her Lebanese food, including stuffed grape leaves and lettuce and tomato salad. Cooking was one of her passions, and few visitors left her home without some of her food in tow – and no one ever left hungry.
She volunteered at St. Anne’s Retirement Community in Columbia and was a member of Guys and Dolls of St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Millersville. She was an alumna of Holy Trinity School in Columbia and worked at the former Tidy Products in Columbia, the former Hamilton Watch Co. in Lancaster and later part-time at Hambright Elementary School in Lancaster.
She is survived by five children, Theresa Ann Kline of Lancaster, William T. Kline of Stroudsburg, fiancé of Theresa Deehan of Spring Lake Heights, N.J., John A. Kline, husband of Jessica Chia, of Palo Alto, Calif., Robert C. Kline, husband of Susan (Anzalone) Kline, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Patrick T. Kline, husband of Laura (Bear) Kline, of Millersville; and two sisters, Agnes Elias of Willow Street and Bernadette Haefner, wife of Henry Haefner, of North Wales.
She also is survived by seven grandchildren, Courtney E. Kline of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kevin W. Kline of Morristown, N.J., Andrew P. Kline, husband of Theresa (Ngo) Kline, of Durham, N.C., Erik W. Kline of Mount Joy, James W. Kline, husband of Sarah (Wales) Kline, of Bloomington, Ill., Cassandra R. Kline of Millersville and William D. Kline of St. Petersburg, Fla., and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She also is survived by grandson Michael Karpe, husband of Stephanie Karpe, of East Stroudsburg, and great-grandchildren Benjamin, Elena and Owen Karpe, all of East Stroudsburg.
She was preceded in death by brothers George Sahd and Joseph Sahd, sister Barbara (Sahd) Sahd and infant sister Mary Sahd.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at St. Leo the Great Church, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Lancaster.
Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to the start of Mass on Thursday at the church and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 8 p.m.
She leaves a legacy of selflessness, compassion and caring, with a special place in her big heart for the children of St. Leo School. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory, payable to St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, with “PSR/Parish School Annual Appeal” written on the memo line.
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Condolences to the Family
October 18, 2018
To the family of Helen Marie Kline: Donna and I would like to offer our condolence on the loss of your mother. I once heard someone use the term ” you have your heart in the right part of your body” and that certainly applies to your mom, meaning everything she said or did came right from the heart, honest, sincere and with love. She always made me feel like another one of her family and I will miss that beautiful smile. Keep her memory close to your heart, think of her often and smile.
October 17, 2018
What a wonderful obituary for a very nice lady, who I had not known for very long ~ only meeting Helen at Guys and Dolls Group a few years ago. She made me feel most welcomed and I enjoyed talking with her. May her family be comforted knowing what a special lady she was!
Barb DeHart, Lancaster
October 17, 2018
There are precious few times in life that we meet a person as wonderful, loving, giving, and important, as Helen Kline. I knew her from my youngest days and her spirit, energy, and devotion to God and family were an influence on me throughout my life. I only crossed paths with her a few times in the past 25 years, but every time I did, she acted as if only a day or two had passed. When you were around her, you wanted to be a better person. You wanted to be like her. You wanted to emulate that spirit and goodwill, and she made those around her better people through her example.
About fifteen years ago I was at the St. Leo fesitval. It was a rainy day and she was running the bake sale. It wasn’t going well, the items weren’t selling. I stopped by, chatted and reminisced with Helen for a while, then bought some cookies. She said, “It would really help if you bought some more.” I chuckled and said, “Tell you what, I’ll come back towards the end of the night and buy whatever didn’t sell.” By the end of the night, not much had sold. She said, “It’s okay, just buy a couple of things, we’ll be fine.” But as I previously said, Helen made you want to be a better person. I bought all three tables. As I grabbed up the many bags of delicious booty and lined up help to carry this bonanza to my car, Helen reached up, pinched my cheek, and said, “You were always a good boy.” A statement like that from her was worth far more to me than all those baked goods.
She was loved, she was respected, and she will be greatly missed by everyone who ever crossed paths with her.
Of final note, if you knew Helen, she was very devoted to Bill. Helen was outgoing and gregarious, Bill was cool as the back side of a pillow. He didn’t talk much to the local kids, but we all enjoyed hanging out in the Heritage Ave. living room watching sports. I mention this because Bill obviously took his love of sports to Heaven with him and used his influence to help Philadelphia sports. On the day he passed, the Phillies won the first game of the World Series. The next day, the Flyers beat NJ 6-3. On the same day, the 76ers won their final pre-season game. On the 25th, the Phillies won another World Series game. On the 26th, the Eagles beat the Falcons 27-14. On the 27th, the Curse of Billy Penn was replaced by the luck of Bill Kline and the Phillies won the World Series. On the 28th, the Flyers thrashed the Atlanta Thrashers 7-0. I don’t think there was ever a run like that in Philadelphia sports history, and I attribute it to divine intervention by Bill Kline.
I’m glad they’re together again.
October 16, 2018
Our condolences to the Kline family. We only met Helen once but have seen her influence on her children and grandchildren. May she rest In peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Doug and Dawn Hicks
October 16, 2018
HELEN AND MY MOTHER, ROSE AMICO, WORKED ON MANY FUNCTIONS AT ST LEO CHURCH UNDER PASTOR FATHER DELLER. WHEN HELEN LEARNED I LIVED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF HER HOME SHE WOULD VISIT ME AFTER THE BIRTH OF MY SECOND SON TO SEE HOW THING WERE GOING. SHE WOULD LIFT MY SPIRITS! SHE TRULY GAVE OF HERSELF IN EVERY WAY. SHE WILL HAVE MANY FRIENDS IN HEAVEN.
October 16, 2018
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family Pat! I did not know your mom, but from what I see in you and what I read today, it is very evident that she was a true blessing to those with whom she crossed paths! Sincerely, Dave and Teri Punt
October 16, 2018
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She was a beautiful person with a big heart. My mom always spoke fondly of her and cherished her friendship. I know she is resting well.
October 15, 2018
What a great lady who I had the privilege of knowing through my good friend Teresa. I will miss our mother/daughter luncheons when I visit Lancaster. RIP dear Helen, you will truly be missed! Our prayers are with you and your loving family.
October 15, 2018
Such a beautiful memorial for a beautiful lady. Indeed described her well. Her radiant smile, her zest for life, her generosity with love and spirit was always apparent. The last time I saw her, though she could barely walk, she wanted to help me with picking grapefruit. She will forever be remembered and missed. I pray I can leave half her legacy.
October 15, 2018
I feel privileged to have grown up knowing “Aunt Helen” as I called her. Her frequent visits to our home, whether to get her hair done or a friendly drop by is a special memory to me. She always had good advice and a hug to give. Aunt Helen would often bring food to share-Her grape leaves and lentils/rice were the best! It’s been many years since I’ve seen her but she will never be forgotten. God speed Aunt Helen as I know you are an Angel in heaven.
October 15, 2018
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. The obituary describes her perfectly. She always made you feel welcomed and happy in her company. JoAnne Freidly
- Visitation
- Wednesday, October 17, 2018
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 441 North George Street
- Millersville, PA 17551
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Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Thursday, October 18, 2018
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- St. Leo the Great Church
- 2427 Marietta Ave.
- Lancaster, PA
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, October 18, 2018
- 11:00 AM
- St. Leo the Great Church
- 2427 Marietta Ave.
- Lancaster, PA
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