Obituary of Helen M. Donohue

North River: Helen M. Donohue, 97, of State Rt. 28, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Creek. Born March 26, 1911 on Blue Ridge of North Hudson, she was the second daughter to John and Maude (O’Neil) Donohue. She was a member of the 1928 graduating class at North Creek High School and went on to complete her teaching certification from the State University in Albany. Helen resided in Tioga County for many years fulfilling her desire for a career in teaching. She taught business and also served as a guidance councilor with the Newark Valley Central School District for over 39 years before retiring in 1976. While living in Newark Valley, she was an active communicant of the St. James the Evangelist RC Church and served as a trustee of the Tappan Spaulding Library for many years. She also sat on the board of directors of Edna St. Vincent Millay Retreat in Austerlitz, MA. She was a longtime member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority and the Retired Teachers Association. Her favorite pastimes included traveling to Europe and spending time with her family. Helen is predeceased by her sister, Norma Higgins, and her brothers, John and Francis Donohue. Survivors include her brother, Raymond Donohue of Newcomb, and her sister, Milda Burns of North River; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Helen’s family from 6-8 pm Friday evening at the Alexander Funeral Home, Inc, 4479 State Rt. 28, North River. A wake service including the Rosary will be held at 7:45 pm Friday at the funeral home at the conclusion of the visitation. A funeral mass to celebrate her life will be conducted 11 am Saturday at St. James RC Church in North Creek with Fr. John O’Kane, Pastor and Fr. Sony Pulickal, Pastor of St. Mary’s RC Church in Indian Lake concelebrating. Rite of committal will take place in St. James Cemetery, North Creek later this spring. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to a scholarship to be established in Helen’s honor at the Newark Valley Central School, PO Box 547, Newark Valley, NY 13811 or to the North River Vol. Fire Co., North River, NY 12856. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.