Betty B Helmer

Durhamville-Betty B. Helmer, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the home of her daughter, Jennifer.

Betty was born in Oneida on August 17, 1935, the daughter of the late George and Alice Ostrander Burgdoff.  Betty was raised on the family farm in Stockbridge and was a graduate of Stockbridge Valley Central School. Upon graduation, Betty attended Cortland State College, where she obtained her degree in Education. On April 5, 1958, in Durhamville, Betty was united in marriage to Harry A. Helmer. Their union lasted 39 years until Harry’s passing in 1997. Betty had worked for 37 years teaching young minds in the Stockbridge School District as a First Grade Teacher, retiring in 2000.  She previously had taught for a year at the Rome City Schools. She held a deep love for the children under her care. During her career and her devotion to the students, Betty never took a day off from teaching.  While teaching and in retirement, Betty worked for Helmer’s Complete Tree and Landscape. For 25 years, Betty was a driving force of the business and bookkeeper.   Betty was an avid fan of Syracuse University basketball and football, and the Buffalo Bills. She has a fond love for helping others, putting others before herself, flowers and plants. Most of all, Betty was a kind and loving person who was devoted to her family.

Betty leaves behind her cherished children, Charmaine (Thomas) Baker of Canastota, Michael Helmer Sr., of Durhamville, and Jennifer Smith of Oneida; her brother Richmond (Rody) Burgdoff of North Carolina; her beloved grandchildren: Victoria Bartholomew, Michael Helmer Jr., Andrew Helmer, Alexander Smith, Ethan Smith, and Gabriel Smith; her beloved great grandchildren: Hayden Bartholomew, Nathan Helmer, Lincoln Helmer, and Lillian Helmer; a very special family person, Elaine Clark.  Betty is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents George and Alice, her husband, Harry, as well as her sister and soulmate Nancy. Her beloved grandson Christopher Helmer also predeceased Betty.

A visitation will be held on Friday February 10, 2022 from 2-5 PM at the Coolican-McSweeney and Paul Funeral Home, 322 Washington Avenue, in Oneida. A prayer service will follow the visitation. Interment services will be private. Funeral arrangements and family care is being provided by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Coolican-McSweeney & Paul Funeral Home. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit: coolican-mcsweeney.com

There will be a celebration of Betty’s life following the funeral service to be held at the Oneida American Legion Post, 398 N. Main Street in Oneida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Betty Helmer Scholarship Fund.  This fund will be established through the Stockbridge Valley School to assist a qualified student at graduation.  Please mail donations in care of Charmaine Baker, 241 North Court Street, Canastota, New York 13032.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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