Helen was born on February 16, 1927 to Albert and Elsie Dix in Manhattan, the third of four children.
Helen, known as “Dixie” in her younger days, graduated from James Monroe High School in the Bronx in 1945, after which she worked as a bookkeeper for Standard Brands/Fleischmann distilling.
In 1946, Helen’s best friend, a bookkeeper for Dawn Cruiser’s Shipyard invited a new guy, the owner’s nephew, to a party with the intent of playing matchmaker. Helen was not interested. Harry often told his grandchildren the story of the greatest day in his life. “She opened the door and said, ‘I’m Helen. You must be Harry. C’mon in.’ And the rest as they say, is history!”
Harry and Helen were married on June 22, 1947 and celebrated 63 years together before Harry passed in 2010.
In October of 1954, Helen gave birth to Gail Ann and four years later to Valerie Ann. Being a mother was the most important role to Helen. She dedicated her entire being to caring for Gail through countless illnesses and to Valerie through countless adventures. Helen was a devoted wife and with Harry as her best friend, they met every challenge head on and embraced every blessing with gratitude. Helen’s motivation for learning to drive was keeping Gail off the subways for the many trips to doctors in New York City. She was courageous and strong with a fortitude admired by all.
Helen was an efficient homemaker and terrific cook. Helen returned to work in the early 1960s first as a cafeteria worker in Holy Cross School and then as a clerical aide for the deans of Adlai E. Stevenson HS. She bowled on three leagues with women from work and friends from the Bronx Shore Community Association. She learned to knit and crochet but much preferred a good book and when she was on a roll, she’d finish a book a day.
In 1989, Harry and Helen were given a Christmas gift unlike any other-their first grandson, Ryan Baron, and two years later, another blessing, Devin James. Those boys meant the world to her and she to them. Helen and Harry attended concerts and games and listened to band practices. It was her delight to make favorite meals and desserts and always made certain there were cookies and fruit snacks in the cabinet.
Harry and Helen traveled, dined, and attended concerts with their closest friends, the OPALS, sharing many laughs, adventures and memories.
Helen attended the First Presbyterian Church in Washingtonville finding good friends and fellow book lovers in the church book club. She embraced the lively discussions, always with a glass of wine.
Helen moved in with Valerie and Wayne in 2013 and shared many gatherings with dear friends around the fire pit and the dining room table.
She was often the life of the party and was embraced by many as a second mom. A highlight of recent years was the wedding of her eldest grandson, Ryan to Jennifer, and the special bond she shared with Jenn whom she called her granddaughter.
Helen leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie Robinson and Wayne Thode; grandson Ryan Senning and his wife Jennifer; grandson, Devin Senning; her first son-in-law, Jim Senning; her niece, Barbara Wright; many nieces and nephews and dear friends who are more like family. Helen was predeceased by her husband Harry and daughter Gail.
The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers from Hospice of Orange and Sullivan for their tender care and attention to Helen in her last weeks and for their unwavering support for her children as they cared for her at home.
Friends may call Tuesday, August 7th from 1PM-4PM at David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North Street, Washingtonville, NY followed by a funeral service at 4 PM- officiated by the Reverends Kenneth and Susan Wonderland.
Burial is private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements under the direction of David T Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North Street, Washingtonville, NY 10992, 845-496-9106
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