Helen Pidgeon

Pidgeon, Helen GUILDERLAND Helen Pidgeon passed away early Thursday morning, August 21, 2008 after a long illness. Helen was born on January 29, 1919 in Schenectady, N.Y. where she grew up and attended Mont Pleasant High School. After high school, she worked for the General Electric Company, and the Golub Corporation. Later in life, she was a head sales clerk for the Carl Company and the Boston Store. Helen was a devoted communicant of St. Madeline Sophie Parish in Guilderland, and the Vibert O. Fryer DAV auxiliary, where she was a past commander. Helen married Joseph Pidgeon on August 25, 1946 and was a devoted wife and mother. Helen loved to cook and bake. The smell of her desserts at holiday time made Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas special. Helen was a kind and gentle woman, who was a gracious hostess who always was concerned about others. She was the constant peacemaker whose quiet wisdom will be missed by all. Even as her Alzheimer's progressed, Helen was most concerned about others. Her first words to anyone were "How are you?" or "Are you hungry?" She would always ask if there was anything the guest needed, and proceed to make them feel right at home. Helen was predeceased by her brother Alfred, who was an Air Force gunner, shot down in World War II; her mother, the former Christine Compositor; and her father, John Battaling. She is survived by her beloved husband and devoted caregiver, Joseph; her devoted sons, Fred Pidgeon and his wife Colleen and Dennis Pidgeon and his wife Judy, all of Rensselaer. Helen also leaves her loving grandchildren Sean, Tara, Laura and Erin Pidgeon. The family would like to thank the home aids Crystal and Amelia for the help they gave to Helen. Services will be held Saturday morning at 10:30 from the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Union at N. Jay Streets and then to St. Madeline Sophie Church, Carmen Road, where a Mass will be celebrated at 11:30. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen's memory to: Attentive Care, 5 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205.