Helen H. (Howe) Bryce

Troy - Helen Howe Bryce, 89, native Trojan, of Pawling Avenue, died Monday, July 20, 2015 at her residence after a brief illness, one day after what would have been their 68th wedding anniversary.

Born in Samaritan Hospital to Anna McChesney Howe. She was the wife of the late L. Merrick Bryce. She was a graduate of Troy Public Schools 2 and 18, a 1943 graduate of Troy High School, Russell Sage College with a Bachelors degree in English and an Associates degree in Mortuary Science in 1973 from Hudson Valley Community College.

Her beloved husband of 69 years, Merrick, was a catalyst in encouraging her to join the family business by obtaining her Mortuary Science certificate, and State license in 1972. She joined her husband and son , Craig, and now grandson, David to continue the 98 year tradition of the Bryce Funeral Home in Troy and the DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. in West Sand Lake, begun by her father-in-law, Lowell H. Bryce.  

She was a woman of great faith serving all people and their families during their time of loss  and need both in her  professional and extensive volunteer life. 

Troy Chromatics Concerts- Music- was her most passionate focus , serving for 40 years as a director and as president.  At age 10, Helen  attended the piano concert of a 10 year old German girl, Ruth Slenczynska,  whom she met backstage. Their communication through an interpreter was published the next day in the Troy Record with photo. Helen was smitten and thus began her love of classical music. She was chairman of the 85th and 90th anniversaries with artists of renown participating.  At the 100th of their 1896 presentation of the world’s famous classical artists and symphonies, her committee produced a book of researched history, probably the most complete one of her organization. 

Helen was an active and honorary member of the Rensselaer County Historical Society and was instrumental in planning and implementing a six week exhibit there. Active in other local volunteer organizations, she was a member and former Vice President of the Troy-Cohoes YWCA, a member of and former President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Troy Boys Club and received the Keystone Award for 17 years service. She was a member of the Russell Sage Alumnae Association, the Junior League of Troy, Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary, Ilium Literary Club, Thursday Morning Club, the Albany Institute of History & Art and the Taconic Lake Association where the family summered.  She also was an active churchwoman, being a former member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Troy, she was an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Women’s Society and instrumental in organizing the Neighborhood Nursery. She later became a member of the First Church in Albany (reformed).

She is survived by two daughters,  Susan Bryce Cluett, Charlottesville, VA and Barbara E. Bryce (William) Clark, Avon, OH; a son, L. Craig (Lynn Krill)  Bryce, Troy; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer (Simon) Jeffery, Crested Butte, CO, David Merrick (Kelly) Cluett, West Sand Lake, Sarah E. (Ryan) Pavicic, Avon, OH, Christen E. Bryce (Nicholas) Garzia, Clifton Park,  Lindsey B. (Joseph) Bergen, New Albany,OH,  L. Jonathan Bryce, Troy and Rachel M. Bryce, West Sand Lake; 12 great grandchildren- Kelcey Bryce, Aylin Garzia, Merrick Jeffery, Tyler Jeffery and Evelyn Jeffery; Hadley Pavicic, Hudson Pavicic, Haylee Cluett, Landon Cluett, Jacob Cluett, Kendallyn Bergen and McKenzie Bergen and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a sister, Carolyn Morgan. Her family was the love of her life.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 4-7 PM. 

Funeral service will be held Friday at 10AM  at the First United Presbyterian Church 1915 Fifth Avenue Troy with Rev. John Paarlberg,  officiating.

Interment  will be in Oakwood Cemetery Troy.

Helen’s family would like to thank Accent Health Care, especially Wynne Samms and Blossom Butler for the love and support given over the past few months and Visiting Nurses of Albany and especially Pat Pereau for her guidance;  Drs. Charles Sulzman, Robert Benton and Charles Weissman for their care .  We could not have done it without all of you!!

Contributions may be made in memory of Helen H. Bryce to the First Church in Albany110 North Pearl Street Albany, NY 12207 or Shriners Hospital for Children 51 Blossom Street Boston, MA 02114, or flowers or the food bank of your choice. 

 Service Information