Helen M. Duda

Helen M. Duda, 81 loving and devoted mother,  grandmother, sister and friend passed away surrounded by her family after a very courageous battle with cancer.  Born in Syracuse, Helen lived all of her life in the East Syracuse / Fremont area.  

Born to the late Stanley J. and Alice Stuck Duda, Helen is pre-deceased by her brothers Stanley, Daniel, Jerry, and Gregory and infant daughter Robyn A.

Helen retired from the Liverpool school district after a long career in the transportation industry.  She took great pride in safely serving the children of the East Syracuse Minoa, North Syracuse and Liverpool school districts.  Helen also served as a dispatcher for the New York State Park Police for many years.  

Helen was a lifelong communicant of St. Matthews Church.  The Duda family had strong connections to St. Matthews Church and Helen carried that devotion into her adult years by serving members of the community by assisting with the second time around store, food pantry, meals on wheels and reception activities.

One of Helen’s greatest loves was painting.  Her beautiful work, not only enjoyed by her family and friends, was recognized with multiple ribbons and awards at the New York State Fair.  Her other loves were golfing and traveling.

Affectionately known to all as “Grandma Helen”, much of her retirement years were devoted to enjoying the various activities with her family.  Beaming with pride at each and every accomplishment.  Her days were spent attending sporting events, classroom activities, and instilling her artistic abilities into the next generation.

Helen is survived by her loving children Lynda, Mark (Jessica), Eric (Sue), Karyn (Gerry), and Shaun (Michelle).  Grandchildren Ryan, Shane, Carin, David, Shelby, Gibson, and Ashlyn.  Brothers Richard and Bernie, and sisters Mary Margaret and Kathryn, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank Hematology Oncology Associates and Dr. Jeffrey Kirshner’s wonderful team along with the angelic private nurse team of Jessica and Roxanne for their loving care, treating Helen with dignity and assisting the family in more ways than we will ever be able to express. A Funeral Mass will be Saturday at 10am at St. Matthew’s Church. Calling hours are Friday from 4-7pm at Mathewson-Forani Funeral Home, inc., 206 Kinne St., East Syracuse, NY. 

Contributions may be made to St. Matthews Church or Griffins Guardians.

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