Helene Farrell

Middleburgh: Helene S. Farrell, 87, of Cliff Street, died Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown NY, following a brief illness.

Helene was born on March 26, 1922 in Middleburgh, NY, a daughter of the late Susie (Wood) and Arthur U. Stevenson. She graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1939 and was Valedictorian of her class. She received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester College of Arts and Sciences in 1942. Helene retired from the Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie where she was the curator.

She was the Middleburgh Town Historian from 1969 to 1999 and the Middleburgh Village Historian from 1957 to 1999. Helene authored "Bridging the Years" in 1962 and the lead newspaper article for the 250th Anniversary of the Settlement of Middleburgh. Helene was an active member, since 1940, of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, holding chapter, state and national committee offices. Helene also served as Director of the Schoharie County Historical Society from 1980 to 1989 and Trustee from 1964 to 1989.

She was a charter member of the Dutch Barn Preservation Society and a charter member and past Director of the Vroman's Nose Preservation Corporation. She also contributed to a book on Vroman's Nose, authored by Vincent J. Schaefer. Helene stimulated the formation of the Middleburgh Historical Society and was on the committee that oversaw the 1997 Celebration of the establishment of the Town of Middleburgh. She also helped develop the seal for the Town of Middleburgh in 1999. Throughout her lifetime, Helene received numerous awards, recognition and praise for her many speeches, graphics, lead articles, photographs and devotion to preserving history.

She was predeceased on April 20, 2002 by her husband, John "Jack" Farrell, whom she married on May 21, 1976.

Helene is survived by her daughter: Bonnie (Walt) Porter of Brentwood, N.H.; sons: Wayne (Madeleine) Andrew of Redding, CT., William (Barbara) Andrew of Middleburgh, N.Y. and Joseph (Cindy) Andrew of Virginia Beach, VA.; stepdaughters: Maureen (Brooks Bridges) Farrell of Cambridge, MD. and Ellen (Kenneth) Smith of Los Gatos, CA.; stepson: Jack (Sherrie) Farrell of Gerrardstown, W.V.; Fifteen grandchildren, Five great-grandchildren, Sisters: Esther Youngs of Blacksburg, VA. and Marian Webber of Georgia; brother: John Stevenson of Goldvien, VA.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday January 30, 2010 at the Middleburgh Reformed Church. River St.,Middleburgh, NY. Pastor Jeffrey Kelley of the Middleburgh Reformed Church and Fr. Thomas Holmes of Our Lady of the Valley will co-offficiate. There will be no calling hours.

Spring inurnment will be in the Middleburgh Cemetery. Cremation took place at the Vale Crematory, Schenectady, NY.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Middleburgh Emergency Volunteer Ambulance Corps., PO Box 817, Middleburgh, NY 12122 or to the Middleburgh Historical Society, PO Box 308, Middleburgh, N.Y. 12122