Helene Dorothy Kunta

Helene "Helen" Dorothy Kunta, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, passed away on July 13, 2026.

Born on April 19, 1952, in New York, Helen was the daughter of the late Adolph and Adelaide Kappauf. She grew up in Lindenhurst and graduated from Marcel Haigy's School of Beauty in Bay Shore, where she earned her cosmetology license. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for baking and candy making eventually led her to establish her own business. After relocating to South Carolina in 1986, Helen opened Chocolate Wonderland in Lexington. More than 40 years later, the beloved business continues to serve the community under the care of her niece, Jo Ann "Jo" Kappauf.

Outside of her shop, Helen found joy in cooking, baking, crocheting, embroidering, and sewing. She was an exceptional homemaker, a devoted wife to Rick, a loving mother to Shantel, and a proud grandmother to Aurora. She was also a faithful member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Helen will be remembered for her youthful spirit, vibrant personality, unwavering optimism, and genuine kindness. She had a remarkable way of making others feel welcome and loved, and her warmth touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the business she built, and the countless memories she created with those she loved.

She is survived by her daughter, Shantel Adelaide Kunta; niece, Jo Ann "Jo" Kappauf; sister, Julia Bianco; nieces and nephews, Laura Bhalla, "Lucky" Bhalla, Ralph Bianco, and Liz Bianco; great-nephews and great-nieces, Luca Bhalla, Juliann Bianco, and Leigh Bianco; sister, Marie Moccaldi; niece, Melissa Walker; great-nephew, Kyle Walker; brother, William Kappauf, Sr. (Rita); nephews, Marc Kappauf, Sr. and William Kappauf, Jr.; niece, Jennifer Wragg; great-nephews, Justin Torbey, Marc Kappauf, Jr., and Cullen Wragg; great-nieces, Brielle Davies and Peyton Wanamaker; her brother, Dennis Kappauf, Sr. (June); nephew, Dennis Kappauf, Jr.; niece, Kim Kappauf; great-nephews, David and Jake Kappauf; great-niece, Claire Kappauf; niece, Leeann Cano; nephew, Carlos Cano; and great-nephews, Lucas and Logan Cano.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard "Rick" Kunta, Sr.; granddaughter, Aurora Helene Schmitt; stepson, Richard "Ricky" Kunta, Jr.; sister, Dianne Kappauf; grandmother, Imelda Jarvis; brothers-in-law, Rocky Bianco and John Moccaldi; sisters-in-law, Lillian Kappauf and Ute Kappauf; nephew, JohnMichael Moccaldi; her lifelong best friend, Iris Vega; and her dear friend, Susan Mitchell.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, 115 North Pine Street, Batesburg-Leesville.