She was born February 20, 1933 in the Franklin St. hospital in Delhi to Cornelia (Connie) Mae Mabon and Merion Robert Laing. She was the eldest of six children and is predeceased by her brothers William James and Gilbert Mabon Laing along with her sister Joyce Cornelia Laing Freyer and brother-in-law David Arthur Leone of Arlington, Mass.
She is survived by her husband John Roland Bramley of 66 years; son James J. Bramley and daughter Marcy (Bramley) Ruggiero; son-in-law Francis Ruggiero and grandchildren Chiara Noelle, Luke Francis, and Nicolette Gianna Ruggiero; sister Linda Grace (Neil) Riddell of Otego NY, and brother Daniel Merion (Sandy) Laing of Bradenton, FL and sisters-in-law Lorna (Bramley) Leone of Arlington, Mass., Ann (Bramley) Laing of Rochester, NY, Doreen (Odell) Laing of Bainbridge, NY and brother-in-law Marty J. Freyer of Sidney, NY as well as numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Helen was IRC Coordinator and Librarian at Delaware Academy for 25 years and prior to that was a teacher at Andes Central School. A graduate of A.L. Kellogg School in Treadwell in 1950, Oneonta State College in 1954, and Master's Degree in Library Sciences at Geneseo State College, NY in 1975. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma, an international women educator's society.
She was an avid reader her whole life, loved all books and especially children's books. In her later years she kept her word craft nimble as a master crossword puzzle solver. In retirement, she served three terms on the Board of Trustees of the Cannon Free Library.
Married in the Meridale Presbyterian Church in 1954, Helen and John moved to their present home in 1957. She began working at the Andes Central School while John worked at Bramley Insurance Co. After she retired in 1989, they travelled to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
Being a grandmother was Helen's greatest joy for the last 20 years. An excellent cook, especially in baking cookies and pies, she shared many hours in the kitchen with her grandchildren.
Helen loved playing cards and was a member of numerous bridge and card clubs up to her passing. Anyone who played with her knew her competitive nature. In pitch, Helen had the ability to win even with a mediocre hand.
Descended from the Mayflower pilgrims, Helen had a keen interest in history. She collected antique dolls and area postcards. A book of her Delhi postcard collection was published by the Delhi Historical Society, where she was a member. She also volunteered at the Delaware County Historical Society for many years.
Helen and John are lifetime members of the Presbyterian Church, United Ministry in Delhi.
The family thanks relatives, friends and neighbors for their love and support. Helen lived a full life to the end, and it is with gratitude and remorse we share this news.
To leave a condolence for the family online, please visit www.bennettfh.com.
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
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