I was sorry to hear about "Aunt" Helen's passing. She was my next door neighbor when I grew up on Delaware Street in Cooperstown. My family could not have asked for better neighbors. We thought the world of Aunt Helen and Uncle Will. They were wonderful to the kids in the neighborhood. I always loved to go in their house with Aunt Helen. She often had newly baked cookies and the house was so lovely. She usually had a hooked rug on her rack in the dining room and I always thought that was amazing. I also remember the batches of beagle puppies their dog had. They were the cutest things! We have movies of a large litter running around their back yard. When I was 12 or 13, Aunt Helen and Uncle Will had a cocktail party and I was the greeter at the door. I took coats. My mom made me a special, fancy blue dress for the occasion. I felt so grown that evening. Aunt Helen and Uncle will loved to fish. They had a small boat and they went out on Otsego lake fishing. They also went ice fishing in the shanty in the winter with my dad. I have so many fond childhood memories of my times spent with Aunt Helen. She always remained Aunt Helen to me. I like to think that she and my mom are playing a game of bridge in heaven. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences are sent to your entire family. She was a grand lady!
