Obituary of Kristin M. Kohena

Kristin Marie Kohena Kristin was born Wednesday, November 6, 1974 and died peacefully in her sleep at home on Sunday, January 14, 2024. She was 49 years old. Kristin was the third of three children born to the late Julius D. and Shirley J. (Hilton) Kohena. She was baptized as an Orthodox Christian on December 29, 1974 at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Elmira Heights where she was a lifelong member. In addition to her parents Kristin was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Clifton John and Lola (Wolverton) Hilton and her paternal grandparents John and Anastasia (Haverlak) Kohena. Additionally, she was predeceased by Beatrice Eisenhower who, as Kristin's caregiver for many years, acted as her "Second Mother" by providing many hours of love and support. Kristin is survived by her sister Kathleen Ann Kohena of Horseheads, NY; brother and sister-in-law John C. and Loueva M. Kohena of Horseheads, NY; niece Jennifer L. Spicer of Horseheads, NY; nephew and spouse Christopher E. and Greta R. Spicer of Bloomingdale, NY; and grandnephews Tully R.R. Spicer of Bloomingdale, NY; Bevan MacPike of Horseheads, NY; Sage E. Kowell-Spicer and wife-to-be Larissa Goalder of Chicago, Ill; and several cousins and their families. In addition, she is survived by her "Irish Sister" Shelley (Wallace) Mitchell of Northern Ireland (UK) with whom she was able to spend two wonderful summers during the 1980's when Shelley was a guest of the Kohena family. Kristin was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before her first birthday. However, her disability did not deter her from living life to the fullest. Kristin was well educated. She began her education by attending the Early Intervention and Pre-School Programs operated by Able-2. She then attended the SCT BOCES Special Education Programs at the Booth Elementary School in Elmira, and the Gardner Road Elementary and Sing Sing Road Schools in Horseheads. After moving to Dryden, NY she continued her education through her attendance at the TST BOCES Special Education Program located at the Darin Smith School and the Dryden High School. She graduated from the Dryden High School on June 16, 1995. Kristin strongly advocated her for herself. She lived with her parents in Elmira Heights from birth until she turned 14. She then requested to live in a group home. Kristin's reasoning was simple: living in a group would afford her more opportunities to live an active life. She eventually moved to the Evergreen Children's Home in Dryden NY that was operated by the Special Children's Center, now known simply as" Racker". In 1995 she moved to Horseheads to live at the Old Ithaca Road ICF where she resided on Aspen Lane and then Cedar Lane. In 2021 she moved to the Eastburn IRA on Rt. 13. Kristin engaged herself in many community activities over the years. She was the 1982 and 1983 Southern Tier Easter Seals poster child. She participated in numerous Special Olympics events in the Southern Tier from which she earned numerous Gold Medals. She participated in the Southern Tier's Post Polio and Baseball Camp. She also attended Camp STAR for many years. Since March 2, 1998 she has attended Pathways, Inc. Day Habilitation. Kristin loved going there each day. Kristin pursued things that brought joy to her life. She loved swimming in Seneca Lake at her family's summer home. She loved her two cats and Anne, her Miniature Collie. She enjoyed riding horses. Her favorite colors were purple and pink. She loved to travel with her family and had visited many places, including Disney World. She loved shopping at Walmart and The Arnot Mall. She enjoyed eating out at Mooney's and Olive Garden. Scary films were always a favorite with her. Finally, Kristin especially enjoyed drinking Pink Cat! Many people empowered Kristin to live life as she desired. We especially wish to recognize the staffs at Able-2 and Pathways Day Habilitation for their generosity of kindness and patience shown to Kristin over these many years. Your willingness to support Kristin as you did made all the difference in her life. In doing so, you also made all the difference in our life. We have been truly blessed by your actions. The Kohena family could not be more grateful for your efforts. Family and friends are invited to visit Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 139 Horseheads Blvd, Elmira Heights, on Wednesday, January 17th 2024 from 6pm to 7pm. Panikihida will be held at 7pm. Her funeral service will be held there on Thursday, January 18th 2024 at 10:30 am. Rev. Fr. David Cowan will officiate. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in Kristin's name to Able-2, P.O. Box 1554, Elmira, NY 14902, and/or Pathways Inc. 33 Denison Parkway West, Corning, NY 14830