Obituary of Helen M. Clark

Helen M. Clark Sherrill-Please join the family and friends of Helen M. Clark in celebrating her full and vibrant life. Helen, 89, of Oneida Castle, died Tuesday, February 23, 2016, with her family at her side. Helen was born on March 11, 1926 in Oneonta, NY, the daughter of Mary Grace Gilmore and Howard K. Walley. She graduated from Oneonta High School in 1944 and soon thereafter was admitted to the Nursing Program at Hartwick College. Upon graduation, she joined the Cadet Nurse Corps and worked for the Indian Health Service in Arizona. She then returned to Hartwick College to earn a Bachelor's in Nursing in 1947. Helen married Douglas R. Clark in 1947. Helen continued her nursing career while raising her children. She practiced as a visiting nurse for Oneida County as well as served as a school nurse. In 1960, Helen returned to college to earn a teaching diploma and became an elementary school teacher to better balance family and career. She secured a positon at the Bellamy School in Rome, NY and taught the second grade for 25 years, retiring in 1985. While teaching, Helen earned a Master's Degree in Education from Syracuse University. Helen loved being a school teacher. Helen had many interests and was very active in a number of organizations and in her church, Gethsemane Episcopal in Sherrill, where she served as the Treasurer of the Women's Guild. She served as President of the Oneida County American Legion Auxiliary, was a member of the Renaissance Club, and was a Past President of the Friends of the Oneida Library. Helen was a staunch Democrat and was active with the Oneida County Democratic Committee. She would often be seen manning the polling tables as a volunteer for the Oneida County Board of Elections. Helen enjoyed gardening immensely and we re-known for her expansive vegetable gardens. She was an avid reader, and loved the outdoors. She enjoyed RVing and traveled extensively with Douglas until he passed away in 2004. They were married for 57 years. Helen lived her life fully and with optimism. She embraced every day joyfully. Her sunshine and positive energy will be missed by all who knew her. Surviving Helen are her four children; Michael, Patricia, Douglas J. and Kevin; five grandchildren; Christopher, Douglas, Jason, Sara and Abigail; 3 great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Savannah, and Chrissa; and her sister-in-law, Genevieve Blackman. Calling hours for Helen M. Clark will be from Noon-2 PM on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church at 320 Park Street, Sherrill, NY. A service of remembrance will be held at the church at 2 PM. A graveside ceremony will be held on Monday, February 29 at the Sylvan Lawn cemetery in Greene, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Gethsemane Episcopal Church.