Sophie P. (Papachristou) Klide

Sophie P. Klide was born in Weirton, WV, on July 20, 1929, to Sultana and Theofilos Papachristou. With her family, she moved to Canton at the age of 9. She was an excellent student and high achiever, graduating from Timken Vocational High School in 1947 and Bowling Green State University in 1950. In her career, she was an educator, and teaching was her passion. Sophie taught business education classes at John Hay High School in Cleveland and Hartville High School, and established the first Cooperative Office Education program at Canton McKinley High School. After taking some time off to raise her family, she resumed her teaching career as the COE coordinator at GlenOak High School where she taught until her retirement in 1991. She remained in contact with many of her educator colleagues, and she was an inspiration to students throughout her life.

Her family was her heart and soul, and she devoted herself to them. She was a political force of nature supporting her beloved husband, Harry, in his rise through Canton politics. Starting with his first campaign for public office in 1970 through his last one in 1992, Sophie worked tirelessly and as relentlessly as Harry did, never one to back down. She led by example, and, while she was tough as nails, she was equally as compassionate and kind. She thought of her two daughters as her greatest accomplishments, raising them to be strong, independent women. Melissa Klide Hedden of Upper Arlington has continued in her parents’ footsteps as a political activist and fundraiser for state and national Democratic candidates, and Jennifer Klide of Cleveland works as a production designer and filmmaker. Sophie’s brother, Nick T. Anthony, was such a treasured person in her life, and the bond they shared only grew stronger throughout their lives.

First generation Americans, Sophie and Harry loved to travel together, especially to their parents’ homeland of Greece. While Sophie loved exploring our country and the corners of the world, she loved returning home to the gardens she designed and lovingly maintained with Harry, earning accolades from far and wide.

Sophie was a member of both Holy Trinity and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox churches, participating in their senior citizens’ and women’s philanthropic organizations. She was an active member of the Daughters of Penelope, serving in all local offices. Named as an outstanding president for the Buckeye District, she was a member for almost 70 years. She was the catalyst behind Holy Trinity’s Think Mink Style Show and the Daughters’ Debutantes’ Ball.

Sophie is predeceased by her parents, Sultana and Theofilos, her dear husband, Harry, and her brother, Nick, as well as her close-knit group of in-laws and best friends. She is survived by her daughters, Melissa and Jennifer, her son-in-law, Herb Hedden, and her grandchildren, Andrew and Alexandra, her sisters-in-law, Angie Anastas and Ann Cazantzes, nieces, nephews and godchildren who all held a special place in her heart.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 30, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4705 Fairhaven NW, Canton, Ohio, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Father Nicholas Halkias officiating. Internment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family invites friends to the traditional Makaria luncheon following the funeral.

Because Sophie passed away on the day the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v Wade decision, she would want memorial contributions to be made to Planned Parenthood in lieu of flowers. If you are inclined to make a contribution, thank you for remembering Sophie at this link: https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/a/sophie-klide.

ROSSI (330) 492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com

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