Helen B. Batchellor

Helen Batchellor, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away Saturday, February 8th, at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia at the age of 99.

Helen was born on August 6, 1925, in Elba, N.Y., the daughter of John Baker and Margaret Coughlin Baker. She graduated from Albion High School in 1943 and married the love of her life, Donald Batchellor, on September 22, 1945. Helen was a member of St. Mary's Church, St. Joseph Sodality, St. Jerome Hospital Guild since 1949, and co-chaired the 100-year celebration of the Jerome Center, where she volunteered in the gift shop for many years. She became involved with the Holland Land Office and Museum over 50 years ago and served on the Board of Directors for 30 years. She was a member of the Stafford Historical Society, Herb Society, Collectors Club, and a life member of Stafford Fire Department and its' Exempts. Helen founded the Stafford Garden Club and was instrumental in the building of the Stafford Gazebo. She was a member of the American Cancer Society, Genesee County Fish and Game Association, and an original volunteer of Genesee County's RSVP program. Helen was an avid fan of the P.O.N.Y baseball league and Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium where she could be seen several times a week. Proud to be the first woman president of Leroy PTA, she helped to institute positive changes. When the Genesee Country Village and Museum opened in 1976, Helen served as a docent for many years. One of her greatest passions was the veteran community and she faithfully volunteered every week at the VA Medical Center for over 40 years. She spearheaded the effort to erect a monument that honors all veterans from the Stafford area and saw it to completion. The Wonderland of Trees held each Christmas season is a result of Helen's creativity, and it continues to be a popular event each year. She was involved in so many more organizations throughout her long life, always motivated by seeing the good that could be accomplished.

Helen's zest for life and dynamic personality were an inspiration to all who knew her. With her tremendous energy and drive, she championed many causes. An extrovert, she was always quick with a joke and never met a person she could not talk to at length. She loved working in her garden, watching sports, traveling, quilting, and shopping. She owns many collections of antique treasures from the auctions she loved to attend. Her knowledge of history was truly remarkable, and she often told stories of growing up in Elba and Batavia, easily recalling events from the past. She had a special interest in family genealogy and worked tirelessly to trace the Batchellor lineage. She loved her family with all her heart, and they loved her right back. She leaves behind a legacy of strength through service and finding humor in any situation.

Helen is survived by her son, Gary Batchellor of Batavia; two daughters, Donna (Dave) Croft of Butler, PA. and Gale (Jorge) Mondragon of Honduras; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Donald Batchellor and her brother, the late John C Baker.

The family would like to thank the third-floor nursing staff at United Memorial Medical Center for their kindness and loving care during her last days; and to the NY State Veterans Home where she resided and thrived among the veterans she loved so much. We are truly grateful for the love and support given by Diane Hawn, and lastly, we will always treasure Deb Goodenbury (Helen's "angel"), who was her caretaker, nurse, and friend, going above and beyond to provide exceptional care and ministry over the years when Helen lived at home.

Friends may call at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home from 4 to 7 pm on February 21. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 Saturday, February 22 at Ascension Parish Church, 19 Sumner St. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Holland Land Office and Museum or to Genessee Country Village and Museum.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.