E. Helen Gardner

North Greenbush - E. Helen Gardner, 97, passed away April 20, 2015 at The Eddy Heritage House Nursing Center in Troy, NY. 

Helen was born August 23, 1917 in Schenectady, NY to Marvin B. Gardner, Sr. and Mabel E. Hotchkiss Gardner.  In the 1920’s, the family moved to a farm in North Greenbush, where she lived for 90 years. 

Helen was active in the 4-H club and graduated from Troy High in 1934.  After receiving a bachelor’s degree in History from Russell Sage College in 1938 and a master’s degree from SUNY Albany in 1939, she was a teacher and librarian at Columbia High School in East Greenbush, retiring in 1978.

Helen was a member of First Church in Albany and loyal choir member for more than 60 years.  She was also an active member of the Rensselaer Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and American Red Cross.  She especially enjoyed family gatherings, music, gardening, and traveling.   Even into her 90’s, she frequently attended performances at Tanglewood and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.  Helen was well known throughout the local area because of the many lives she touched as an educator and volunteer.

She is survived by four nephews - Mark, Hugh, Fredric, and Peter,  four grandnieces, three grandnephews, one great grandniece, and one great grandnephew. Her brother, Marvin, Jr. of Roselle Park, NJ, predeceased her in 2013.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 16 at 11AM at First Church in Albany 110 N. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207 with Rev. John Paarlburg, Pastor, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Church in Albany or Russell Sage College-IA, 65  1st Street,  Troy, NY 12180.  

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