Helen M. Rinaldo

Helen M. Rinaldo, 108, of Lake Katrine, NY, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Ten Broeck Center Lake Katrine, NY. She was born on February 8, 1917 in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of the late Lewis and Adelaide (Nicholson) Marz. Helen was married the late Albert Rinaldo.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Teri Hurley of Georgetown, TX, and her great grandchildren, Patrick, Jason, and Chelsea. In addition to her husband and parents, Helen was predeceased by her daughters, Barbara and Janet.

Helen was one of seven children and lived a life rich with stories, resilience, and quiet strength. As a young girl, she helped her father deliver beer to resorts in the Catskills — experiences that would later become some of her favorite stories to tell.

She had a rare and gentle gift with animals. Squirrels would come right up to her, dogs adored her, horses trusted her, and she spent time riding, showing horses, and working in the nursery at the Catskill Game Farm.

Over the years, she wore many hats - ‘scrubbing bottles’ for her dad’s beer business as a child, working in a dress shop in Woodstock, serving as deacon in her church, a personal assistant to an elderly woman, and a volunteer physical therapist to a severely handicapped child.

Helen lived through more than a century of change, yet remained grounded, observant, opinionated, and sharp. If you were lucky enough to sit with her, you’d walk away with a story — often fascinating, sometimes surprising, and always memorable.

Above all, Helen had a deep and joyful love for her great-grandchildren, she didn’t just spend time with them; she doted on them. Being with them brought her visible delight, and she treated their childhood as something magical and worthy of celebration. She created special “events” just for them — full talent shows where they were the stars, and even their own private restaurant, complete with a custom-built table and chairs and hand-designed menus made especially for her guests. In her eyes, they weren’t just children — they were honored participants in something special.

Through these moments, she gave them a gift that will last a lifetime: the feeling of being deeply seen, cherished, and celebrated. We will miss Gram’s gentle and spirited presence, her lived wisdom, and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind. With gratitude to all who loved her, visited her, cared for her, cherished her stories, and supported her presence in my life. Rest peacefully, Grammie. Your life was truly one of a kind.