Sophia Radd

Sophia C. Radd, 93, of Gahanna formerly from Sebring, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. She was born in Midland, PA on January 29, 1924 to the late Bozo and Bertha Cekinovich. She was the youngest of 7 children, preceded in death by her sister, Mildred, and brothers, George, Daniel, Michael and twins who died at 9 months of age. She was first generation, a child of immigrants via Ellis Island, learning English in first grade with Serbian spoken in the home. Sophia graduated from Midland High School in 1942.

A proud member of "The Greatest Generation" during World War 2, she worked for Curtis Wright Corporation, Propeller Division supporting our military. She soldered and x-rayed airplane propeller blades until the end of the war. After the war she married William Radosevich (later changed to Radd), who had returned from service in the Army. Sophia and William moved to the South while he attended University on sports scholarships and the GI Bill. In 1950 after graduating (from Mississippi Southern University) he began his life-long career as an educator and coach and Sophia, a devoted homemaker.

Sophia and William had three children, Tommie, Billie, and Jay who were the joy of their lives. She was a dedicated parent, never missing an event, establishing high expectations with her work ethic and values of faith, hard work, and genuine down-to-earth caring for people. She enjoyed music, the family sport of golf, while "doing it all" from making all drapes, slipcovers and clothes to mouthwatering delights daily. She loved to work in her yard and was proud of the 50 shrubs they planted and she cared for. She was active in the Sebring Presbyterian Church singing in the church choir (for over 30 years) and doing volunteer work in the church and community. She lost her run for Sebring City Council by 4 absentee ballot votes! What fun it was to discuss current issues and education with her. Education was to be the first priority – " What you learn is yours forever and can never be taken from you while helping you serve others and make the world a better place."

Sophia was so proud of all of her children and their accomplishments: Tommie for completing her PhD and her work with children; Billie for completing her PharmD and her talent in science and research ( invented Purpose skin cream); Jay for his work at UPS earning a 25 year award for safe driving. She loved her grandchildren and loved seeing them grow into fine adults. Paul is in the military, Camille is studying Astro-Physics at Princeton, and Joseph William is a junior in high school. She loved hearing Camille (oboe, piano, organ) and Joseph (violin, viola) play their music so beautifully.

Sophia loved to learn and laugh and help others in her private and respectful way. She stepped up and helped Tommie manage Grow With Guidance and traveled with her to conferences around the country. Such an advocate! Tommie's Grow With Guidance book series and research is dedicated to her. She treasured her trips with Billie and friends to Cosmetic Chemist Conferences at the Waldorf Astoria and to Palm Springs, CA, and watched her become a wonderful wife and mother. She loved watching Jay build their beautiful home and family in Florida and hearing of his family travels and updates about their dogs.

After moving to Gahanna in 2012 she became active at the Gahanna YMCA and was a role-model to many who grew to love her. She loved going with the Senior Independence transport to bike, walk the track and enjoy friends in the warm water aerobic class. Sophia really enjoyed fellowship with the YMCA members she met and the YMCA staff she admired.

She was a life-long FDR Democrat because their policies supported her value of equality for all: immigrant rights, women's rights, religious freedom, civil rights (what she saw in the South in the 40/50's disturbed her as well as the discrimination she experienced from her immigrant roots), voting rights, public education and programs like the GI Bill, Social Security, Medicare – all Democratic initiatives that put people first. "Don't They Remember Hoover? " she would ask. She knew the impact of those policies for her and her family. She was progressive and liberal in thought and solid in knowing what was really important in life. These values helped her and her family enjoy the American Dream. She even worked on the Hillary Campaign and was overjoyed to see President Obama when he spoke at OSU and at Capital University.

Sophia's faith and love of the Lord were unwavering. She was accepting of all. Her honesty and sharp wit, her wisdom and strong belief in our Lord would remind you that "I'm in my last chapter." Many weren't ready to see this last chapter come to an end. However, Sophia believed it was the beginning of her new chapter with our Lord, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her children, Tommie Radd, Billie (Matthew Liotine) Radd and Jay (Emily) Radd; grandchildren, Camille, Joseph and Paul; and many nieces and nephews as well as by the many people she loved and met along the way.

The funeral service, officiated by Rev. Martin Radcliff, will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the Beaver Cemetery and Mausoleum Chapel, 351 Buffalo St., Beaver PA 15009.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to the Sebring Presbyterian Church, 525 North 16th Street, Sebring, OH 44672.