Helene E. Brand Wetzel

Niskayuna
Helene Elizabeth Brand Wetzel passed onto life eternal on December 11, 2025. Helene was born on October 6, 1934 to Otto and Dacy (Joos) Brand. She married Frederick W. Wetzel at Zion Lutheran Church on June 12, 1954. When he died on December 30, 1992, they had been married for 38 years.
As a young child, Helene spent several years at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, recovering from the effects of polio. She graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1953. Upon graduation, Helene was hired by General Electric in the Advertising and Sales Department as a draftsman. Later she was employed by Shelby Business Forms, where she worked with her husband. In 1971, Helene began her 43 year career with the Schenectady County Public Library. She retired from the Scotia Branch Library in 2014 with many fond memories and lasting friendships.
A woman of faith, Helene cherished her lifelong affiliation with Zion where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was a Sunday School teacher, working with four and five year old children. With the assistance of her friend and accompanist Ed Lamby, Helene enjoyed teaching songs of faith to the children, and sharing Bible stories through the use of a flannelgraph. From an early age Helene loved singing in school and church choirs. After the death of her husband, she joined Zion's Chancel Choir and renewed her love for music and learning thanks to the dedication and talent of Zion's Minister of Music, Scott Trexler.
Helene is predeceased by her parents and brother Otto Brand, as well as her dear friend Lawrence Kahre. She is survived by her three children, Dr. Frederick Wetzel (Shannon); Deborah Connors (James); and David Wetzel (Kelly). She was always so proud of her children and their accomplishments. Helene also leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren; Jonathan Wetzel (Kimberly), Brittney Wetzel Stewart (Charles), Austine Martin (Sean), Maxine Wetzel, Aria Wetzel, Robert Connors (Mary), Juan Pantaleon, Matthew Wetzel (Kendra), Mackenzie Wilson (Nathan), Meghan Kordyjak (Timothy). She also deeply loved her 11 great grandchildren. Helene leaves behind her brother Harry Brand; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Brand; her friend of 35 years, Diane Goldsmith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
With God in her life, Helene believed that anything is possible through prayer. Because of her deep faith, Helene asked that her family and friends gather at Zion Lutheran Church in Schenectady. A funeral service will be held at the church on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 9am. Interment will follow at Vale Cemetery, where Helene will be laid to rest alongside her husband.
Helene's family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Saratoga Hospital's Palliative Care Team and the staff on C-3. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Zion Lutheran Church Music Ministry. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com