IN MEMORIAM: Helen Chetner, 90;

Retiree Active In St. Mary’s Church

COOPERSTOWN – Helen F. Chetner, 90, a New York Telephone Co. retiree who was very active in St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” parish, peacefully left her family and friends on Dec. 26, 2017. She had been a resident at Chestnut Park Nursing Home, Oneonta, since 2014.

Helen was born July 19, 1927, to Charles and Helen E. M. (Korinek) Chetner in Lodi Township, N.J.

In 1944, Helen, her parents and brother Charlie moved to a farm on Christian Hill, near Cooperstown. Helen graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1945, and in 1948 moved to Long Island, where she worked as a supervisor for the New York Telephone, based in New York City.

In 1982, she moved back to Cooperstown to care for her parents while she continued to work for the New York Telephone in Utica. Helen retired from the New York Telephone in 1983.

An active member of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Catholic Church, Helen served on the Altar Guild, as a lector, as a leader of the Rosary, a member of the Faith Enrichment Group, a member of the Liturgy Committee, and a member of the Marian Prayer Group. She was a Lay Carmelite in the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As part of her devotion to the Order, she reverently prayed the Rosary daily.

She enjoyed her participation as a member of the Cooperstown American Legion Auxiliary Unit 579. Helen enjoyed her church, her many friends, and her pilgrimages to Canada and Italy. Locally, many will remember seeing her walk her dog down Irish Hill in the Village of Cooperstown. Over the years she shared her home with many beloved cats and dogs.

Helen is survived by her sister-in-law Catherine Chetner; niece Ann and husband Eric Kummer; nephews and wives James and Debbi Chetner, Michael & Laura Chetner, John & Karen Chetner; great nephews and nieces Joseph and Matthew Kummer, Michael, Emily, Megan, Stephanie and Paige Chetner, and Holly Schorz and husband Jesse. Survivors also include several cousins and special friends Joe Booan, Dot Fritts, Dr. Francis and Sue Fassett. Helen was predeceased by her good friend and companion of many years Arletta Kortz, and her brother Charlie.

Calling hours will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, Cooperstown. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan 6., at St. Mary’s in Cooperstown, with Father John P. Rosson officiating. Burial in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Index, will be in the spring.

Helen requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown, NY 13326 or a charity of one’s own choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.