Helen E. Williams

HELEN ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

THIS IS YOUR LIFE

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of your life!

Helena, better known as Helen, was born on Jul 18 1921, which was a century ago. Helena was born in Lucenec, Slovakia, which was part of the State of Czechoslovakia, established after WWI. During WWII Slovakia became a Republic. After the war, Slovakia merged once again with the Czech Republic and was part of the Soviet led Eastern Bloc. Since the Velvet Divorce on Jan 1, 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have become separate countries.

Helena's parents, Juri (George) Kypety (1876-1933), and Anna Migas (1895-1970), lived on the out­

skirts of Lucenec near the local cemetery. The homestead no longer exists, but the memories of childhood would never fade away. Her siblings were Juras (George) 1909-1992, Charles 1915-1941, Anna 1919-1980, and Mary 1923-2020. Mary passed last Dec at the age of 98. Mom had continued corresponding by mail with her all of those years. Charles was killed early in the war. He was struck by a mortar shell in the woods of his home country, while defending his homeland.

Helena had two aunts who settled in America. The aunts were sisters of her father Juri. Aunt Anna (Sokolic) and cousins Viola and Ethel lived in the Bronx, while Aunt Mary (Maine) resided in Manhattan. For reasons unknown, Mom was chosen to make the trip to America. Aunt Anna paid for the trip; with the understanding she would be paid back. Mom did in fact repay the money and sent money back to her family.

Because Mom had to depart from Germany, her brother Charles accompanied her on the trip. Due to

the start of the war, there were travel delays and the siblings had to return home. The two then returned to Germany and Mom sailed on Sep 11938, arriving in America on Sep 8, 1938. the ships manifest read, Kypety, Helena, age 17, Female, and single. Her occupation was listed as Nurse and not Servant like the other young ladies who also made the trip. Mom was not in the medical field, that would come years later. Her nationality was listed as Slovak, residing in Lucence and departing from Prague. The ship did not arrive at Ellis Island, docking in Manhattan. Mom met Edith Mapsik, age 16, also from Slovakia on the voyage and the two young girls remained friends for many years. Edith met and married Paul Kantor and resided on Long Island. Mom visited them on the Island, and they also came to visit her. This trip was the last passenger trip for the Bremen as it was used as a troop transport for the duration of the war.

Once in New York, she began a new life, surrounded by her Aunt Anna's family. Helen was a beautiful, young woman. She learned English at night school and attracted enough attention to do some modeling. She was hired as a governess for a prominent well to do family. Like many NYC inhabitants, the family traveled to upstate NY, Ulster County, and of course Mom traveled with them. It was during this period of time that Mom met my dad and they were married on Jun 18 1945. Dad's sister, Pearl, and her husband, Sterling Jansen, stood for them. They resided in Summitville, then Phillipsport, then Summitville again. This union produced six children, Frederick (1946), George (1948), Helen (1952), Mary (1953), Charles (Chuck) (1957-2017), and Paul (1959).

Mom worked endless hours in the home, taking care of the needs of the members of the household.

Then, there were no automatic clothes washers, or dryers. The furnace in Phillipsport was fueled by wood. We did not have a telephone until 1964. All of the bedding and clothes were hung outside. Mom did not drive until Dad's passing in 1971. Prior to arriving in Summitville, Mom was a practicing Catholic. She introduced us children to the Methodist Church, and she played the piano and also taught Sunday School. When Helen and Mary joined 4H, she taught cooking class. She also took part in all of the local fundraisers put on by the community by providing her famous homemade donuts. They sold out even before they arrived at the event. She found it difficult to keep up with the demand. Popular fund raisers within the community were penny socials and Mom always provided knitted scarves, hats. booties, and doilies. She branched out and started making Indian dolls which were given as gifts and prizes. Even though Mom had little time for herself, she managed to sing with the Shawangunk Choraliers. The group was located in Ellenville and was made up of men and women from the local area Her good friend, Ja­ net Budd provided the transportation and companionship. They remained friends for many years. Mom also presided over many 'coffee clutch's, the informal meetings surrounding our kitchen table. Many of our world's problems were discussed but not often solved. The regular members were Mom, Hazel LaBounty, Anna Jane Brown, and Lorraine Blades.

After 25 years of marriage and our Dad's passing, Mom's life changed in many positive ways. She continued a family tradition and worked at Harvey Coleman's General Store, doing a little bit of every­ thing. She began saving her money and even paid off some small debts that Dad had accumulated, and were unknown to her .It seems as in one fell swoop, she moved to Phillipsport, started a new job at the Ellenville Hospital, purchased the house next to the church, paid cash for her new car and worked at the Fallsview Hotel, caring for Mrs. Slutsky as the evening caregiver. Not surprisingly, Mom became an institution at the hospital. In addition to being an aide, she also served as a translator, speaking numerous eastern European languages. On more than one occasion, Mom slept at the hospital during a snowstorm, often filling in for employees who could not make it in. And being there the next day when those employees did not make it in. For relaxation, she would often babysit for her grandchildren.

Let's discuss the car for a moment. Under the direction of daughter Mary, Mom studied and practiced driving in her new car; quite a feat at 50 years old with no prior experience. She passed the written test and surprised herself by passing her driver's test. Her solo cross-country trips are legendary. There was a wild rumor that Mom drove to work prior to receiving her driver's license, but the stories are mere conjuncture and speculation. The statute of limitations had long expired. There was also a story circulating that a State Trooper may have approached Mom but never asked to see her license. A good story worth repeating.

On her own time, she enjoyed all mother nature had to offer. She hiked and swam at Minnewaska State Park. She swam, weather permitting, across the road at Lake Estates, and walked the 'loop'. Walking from her house on old 209, up Meyerson Rd to Red Hill Rd, and back home, a trip of over six miles. She also cross-country skied, well into her 90's. Mom found solace and peace in the beauty of our wonderful state.

While working in the Ellenville Hospital, a nurse was invited for dinner at the home of Sheldon Carnes who lived in Cragsmoor. Mom was invited as a guest and a new chapter was a guest to Mom's life. Mom and Sheldon shared many common interests and became good friends, travel partners and companions. When Sheldon's health started to fail, Helen made him comfortable in her home until his passing. Sheldon was a good positive influence on our family. He was well educated, quick witted, generous, charming and always had funny, exciting stories to tell. He was an interesting character, in a good way.

Mom has always been interested in the History of United States. One of the highlights of Mom's living in the United States was her becoming a citizen in 1976.

It could be said that the essence of life isn't what you do or what you have, it's who you are. Who are we? If you can explain the meaning of life, you will be the first person to do so The children of Helen Williams are certainly not perfect, however, the perception of our peers is that we were brought up properly, are hardworking and well thought of by others. All of these traits can be pointed at as good upbringing. Mom can hold her head high when reflecting back on her life. Mom's 100th year is not an end, it's a new beginning. We thank you all for being a part of Mom's life.