Born November 16th, 1913, in Madison County, she was the daughter of Leon G. Sawyer and Lena French.
She graduated Valedictorian of her class at Bainbridge Central School. She attended Hartwick College, Library Sciences. She was librarian in Bainbridge Library where she met her husband, Robert Penfield Burgin. They were married June 14, 1939, at her parent’s home in Sidney, NY.
She and her husband were partners on a dairy farm with her parents until 1950 when they bought a dairy farm in Franklin, NY. She was a lifelong seamstress, and gardener. She raised chickens and later in life, a flock of sheep.
Helen and her husband joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, West Oneonta, NY where she was very active.
Later she took a creative writing course and eventually wrote a children’s book, “Hattie, the Hare, and Hung-Ai, the Bear,” which was illustrated by her grandson, Brett Burgin, and printed by her grand-daughter, Miranda Burgin.
She was noted for having the curbside garden in Franklin. Her generosity and kindness allowed her to be loved by all age groups.
Helen is survived by her three sons, Bryan Burgin and wife, Dorlyn, of Sidney Center, NY; Marc Burgin and wife, Anne, of Franklin, NY; Eric Burgin and wife, Lynn, of Otego, NY. 7 Grandchildren: Ronda Sweeney and husband, Jim, of Otego, NY; Timothy Burgin and wife, Rebecca, of Scottsdale, AZ; Brett Burgin of Oneonta, NY; Miranda Burgin of London, England; Keith Burgin of Franklin, NY; Heidi Carr, and husband, Gary, of Otego, NY; Brandy Burgin, and mate, Frank Polacco of Bethel, CT. 3 Great Grandchildren: Matthew Hung, Air Force, South Dakota; Daniel Burgin, Scottsdale, AZ; Christian Burgin, Scottsdale, Az; and several nieces and nephews.
Helen, was pre-deceased by her husband, Robert Burgin, in 1999; her son, Peter Penfield Burgin in 1962; one brother, Marc Sawyer, and two sisters, Dorothy Sawyer and Mary Tyler.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in West Oneonta, on Saturday, June 13th, at I PM.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Catskill Area Hospice or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Helen’s name.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.bennettfh.com.
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
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