Helen Irving

Middleburgh- Helen R. Irving, 88, of Mill Valley Road, died Sunday May 31, 2009 at home, following a brief illness.

Born in Middleburgh on January 23, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Fannie (Dickinson) and Perry Effner. Mrs. Irving was baptized in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, West Middleburgh and attended services there throughout her life. She graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1939 and married Michael C. Irving August 12, 1944. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, bird watching and caring for her grandchildren.

Mrs. Irving was predeceased by her husband, her sister, Ida Martin, and her brother; Robert Effner.

Survivors include her daughter, Nettie Spencer (Robert) of East Greenbush, NY; and her son, Michael R. Irving of Middleburgh, NY; a sister, Mabel M. Shaul of Schoharie; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday June 4, 2009 at the Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home, 134 River St., Middleburgh, NY. Rev. Carol Coltrain of the Huntersland United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in the Middleburgh Cemetery. Friends are also invited to a period of visitation at the funeral home from 11am-12pm on Thursday, prior to the service.

Memorial contributions in Helen's memory may be sent to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 327 W. Main St., Suite 3, Cobleskill, NY 12043.