Sophie R. Kalafus

She was born on July 31, 1928 in Hastings-on-Hudson to Eugenia and Ignatz Ravinsky.

She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers and sisters, Olga Raff, Vera Cowles, Anthony Ravinsky, and Stephen Ravinsky, as well as her Beloved husband of 53 years, James R. Kalafus.

Sophie graduated from Hastings H.S. in 1946. Shortly after graduation began to work at the Anaconda Cable and Wire Company along the Hudson River in Hastings.

In the late 1940's she met James (Jimmy) Kalafus at a dance in Yonkers. Eventually, both realized that they cared deeply for each other and had a special bond. They were married on April 22, 1950. In time, Sophie gave birth to two beautiful daughters, Nancy Kalafus and Phyllis Antenucci.

They all kept busy enjoying their time with their many aunts and uncles and cousins.

After raising her daughters, she returned to work at The Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry. She retired after 30 years of employment.

Sophie was very active in her Church where she was the Treasurer of the Ladies Guild and organized the Sunday Coffee hour after services. During the time that the Church hosted Bingo, she prepared her famous sauerkraut every week to accompany the hot dogs sold to hungry bingo players. Once the food was set up she took her place selling the bingo cards and distributing winnings for all games.

Sophie and Jimmy were also avid bowlers who played in many leagues. In addition, she bowled in a Women's league well into her 80's,scoring over 200 in many games. When not attending Church activities, bowling, or having lunch with family and friends, she and Jimmy were enthusiastic supporters of the Yonkers Canoe Club, (now YPRC), where her daughter Nancy was a competitive kayaker.

Both of her daughters were married and Phyllis had three beautiful and successful daughters. Sophie and Jimmy were very involved in their granddaughter's lives. They loved spending time babysitting and later attending their many sports and activities.

Sadly, James passed in 2003.

Sophie continued to be an active part of her three granddaughter's lives, attending their graduations, showers, weddings and celebrating the birth of their children. She was thrilled to be a Great Grandmother to two boys and two girls.

Sophie's life was her family whom she loved dearly. To know her was to love her. She will be missed terribly and remembered frequently.

Rest in Peace Sweet Lady.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to

The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

26 Seymour Street

Yonkers, N.Y. 10701

Visiting Hours will be held at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703 on Sunday April 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 46 Seymour Street, Yonkers, NY 10701 on Monday April 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, 50 Jackson Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706.