Helen L. Blais

Blais, Helen L. COHOES Helen L. Blais died on September 3, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Altoona, Pa., daughter of the late Frederick and Merna (Wertz) Yost, Helen was the wife of the late Dr. John S. Blais. She is survived by her children, Linda L. (Jack) Madlin of Cohoes, Barbara S. (Roman) Swyst of Clifton Park; twin sons, John F. (Kasey) Blais of Cohoes and Jeffrey G. (Susan) Blais of Troy; grandson, Thomas F. (Hillary) Adams and great-granddaughter, Julia Adams of Saratoga Springs. She is also survived by her aunt, Helen A. Gilchrist of Pennsylvania; a niece, Greer (Jack) Gardner of Colorado; a grandnephew, Andrew T. (Lisa) Gardner of Minnesota; her sisters-in-law, Rosemary M. Cashin of Cohoes and Kathleen Blais of New Jersey; and brother-in-law Paul Blais of Troy. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her siblings, Paul and Fred Yost and Thelma Schrott. A graduate of Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Johnstown, Pa., she served as a 1st lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps in the European Theater of Operation during World War II. Helen was member of the former First United Methodist Church of Cohoes. There are no calling hours. Burial was held at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 15, 2011 at noon at the The Church of the Good Shepherd, Hudson Avenue, Green Island. Helen believed flowers are for the living and charity begins at home. If you wish to remember her, surprise a loved on with a bouquet or donate to your favorite local cause. Her family wishes to thank the caring professionals of NYSOH, Cohoes EMS, Seton Health St. Mary's Hospital, Community Hospice and Dr. John Len.