Obituary of Sophie H. Charles

Sophie Medyn Charles, 96, of Solvay, NY, passed away peacefully at home on June 17. Sophie was a lifelong resident of Solvay and graduated from Solvay High School. Sophie worked as a secretary at Crucible Steel but left to stay home and raise her daughter. She returned to work with the Town of Geddes as secretary to the Comptroller and eventually became the town Comptroller, where she retired in 1988. Sophie was president of the Geddes Business and Professional Women, taught religious education classes at St. Cecilia’s Parish, was president of the St. Cecilia’s School Parent Teacher Guild, led Girl Scout troops, and was president of the Solvay High School Parent Teacher Organization. Sophie was an avid golfer with her husband, Angelo, and belonged to the Friday Night Couple’s Golf League at Westvale Golf Course for many years. She was also a member of Women’s Leagues at Westvale and Westhill Golf Courses. In winter she traded her golf clubs for a bowling bag and was a member of women’s leagues at several local bowling alleys. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren. We now have another guardian angel watching over us and know that Ang was waiting at Heaven’s door to welcome her home. She is predeceased by her husband, Angelo; parents, Peter and Bernice Medyn; and siblings, Henry Medyn, Janina Medyn, John Medyn, Stanley Liro, Helen Ripske, Ted Liro, Peter Medyn, Frank Medyn, and Richard Medyn. Sophie is survived by her daughter, Sharon (John) Penalva, of Camillus; grandson Jason Penalva, of Liverpool; granddaughter Joanna (Douglas) Penalva of Camillus; great granddaughter Alice; siblings Victoria Blanco of Endicott, Mary Medyn, Bernice Medyn, and Josephine Pellizzari of Solvay; and many nieces and nephews. Services: 11 am Monday, June 22, at St. Marianne Cope Parish: St. Cecilia's Church, 1001 Woods Rd, Solvay, NY where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial for family will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. A calling hour will be 10 to 11 am Monday at St. Cecilia's Church prior to the Mass. Current NYS COVID guidelines including masks, social distancing and occupancy requirements will be observed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY, 41 York Street, Auburn, NY 13021, or Our Lady of Peace Food Pantry at St. Marianne Cope Parish, 203 Halcomb St., Syracuse, NY 13209.