Obituary of Helen Dean

Helen E. Dean Utica: Helen E. Dean, 93, formerly of Endicott, NY, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Utica, NY, with loving family by her side. Born November 22, 1918, she was the daughter of the late John and Evelyn (Westervelt) Purdy. She was a graduate of Union-Endicott High School and Ridley Secretarial School. In the 1930's and 1940's she worked at Endicott Lumber and Box and IBM. On May 30, 1939 she was wed to Hugh E. Dean at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Endicott. They were happily married for over 68 years before his passing. A devoted wife, mother, and sister, Helen made family the center of her life. As the second oldest of ten children, she helped care for her younger siblings. She cared for her own mother who suffered from cancer for a long period of time. Having raised three daughters, she often provided care for other family members' children. Helen was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Endicott. She especially enjoyed the friends and activities of Tri-M. Helen enjoyed travel with her husband. Together, they saw many parts of the world. They also enjoyed the outdoors and their getaway at Elk Lake where many friends and family were entertained over the years. Helen was a great hostess and rarely let anyone leave her home empty handed. Helen enjoyed crocheting as a hobby. Many people were gifted with afghans and dishtowels made by her hands. She was a veteran domino player and a collector of recipes. Helen enjoyed the movie channel. Two of her favorite films were Showboat and Moonstruck. Weeknights she enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She was also a great fan of Lawrence Welk. She was a keeper of records of family births, deaths, marriages, and other interesting tidbits. She also enjoyed remembering those special occasions by sending greeting cards. Helen was predeceased by her husband in 2007 and thereafter lived in the Utica area with her daughter, Alice, until she became a resident of the Heritage Health Care Center in Utica. She was also predeceased by her sister Anna ( late Edwin) Tucker and brothers John (late Bertha), Eugene (Dorothy), Ivan (Janice), Richard and Runyon (late Joan) Purdy. She is survived by her children: Alice Janick, New Hartford, NY, Carol ( John) Privitera, Williamsville, NY and Doris (Richard) Brzyski, Rochester, MN; her grandchildren: Cory (Mary) Janick, Penfield, NY, Colin Janick, Rochester, NY and Kathleen Privitera, Amherst, NY; her great-granddaughter, Mariella Janick of Penfield, NY; her sisters: Esther(Paul) Weimer, Anchorage, AK and Lasca (George) Kisslinger, Louisville, KY; a brother, Raymond (late Marie) Purdy of Vestal, NY, a sister-in-law, Elizabeth (late Robert) Dean and several nieces and nephews and their families. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 13, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, Inc., 765 Main Street, Vestal. The Rev. Susan Davis of the First United Methodist Church of Endicott, will officiate. Burial will follow in Vestal Park Cemetery. Calling hours for friends and family will be at the funeral home Monday from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Central United Methodist Church, 17 Nanticoke Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760 or the charity of your choice.