Helen A. Bessette

Helen A. Bessette, 86, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2022. Born in Troy, NY, on March 19, 1936. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years, Henry A. Bessette; parents, Charles and Elizabeth 'Libby' Wilkins (Deegan); her three brothers, Charles Wilkins, George Wilkins, and Donald Wilkins; and one sister, Marylou Murmlestein (Wilkins).

Helen is survived by her beloved children: son, H. Bryan Bessette (Reneé Bessette) of Malta, NY; daughter, Sharon Davis (James Davis) of Brighton, MI; three grandchildren, Bryan P. Bessette (Dana M. Bessette) of Watervliet, NY; Jourdan Davis of Salt Lake City, UT; and Patrick Davis of Brighton, MI; great granddaughter, H.A. Bessette; brother Frederick Wilkins (Springfield, MA); nephews, Lee and Keith Wilkins; and niece, Whitney Wilkins.

Helen was raised in Averill Park and Cohoes, NY, graduating from Cohoes High School in 1954. Helen met Hank, during their sophomore year of high school, and provided her loving support throughout Hank's years in prep school, his service to the U.S. Army in Korea and, later, at the Walter Reid Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., where Helen made frequent train rides to visit him. Following Hank's discharge from the Army, the couple married in 1959, and moved to Colchester, Vermont, while Hank attended St. Michael's College. During Hank's senior year, Helen gave birth to their son, H. Bryan Bessette, who, with Helen, often made visits with Hank to the St. Michael's campus. Following Hank's graduation, the family took up permanent residence in Burlington, Vermont, and gave birth to their beloved daughter, Sharon. Helen and Hank spent many fond years in Burlington before returning to the capital district in the early 1980s, where they spent many more happy years surrounded by family and friends.

Helen was the consummate mother and homemaker, maintaining warm and beautifully decorated homes that evinced her deep sense of style, where she hosted notable holiday parties, fundraisers, and countless family gatherings. She and Hank were deeply devoted to their family, always placing their children and grandchildren first and ensuring that all felt the deep love they held for them. Helen was a selfless caretaker, welcoming into her home and providing comfort and care for her elderly parents and her brother George, in addition to lending a helping hand to countless friends and neighbors anytime the need arose. Helen also had many hobbies for which she demonstrated deep skill, including sewing, gardening, and interior design. Helen had a wonderful sense of humor and an uncanny creativity for inventing fun games for her children and grandchildren, as well has sewing beautiful homemade costumes and clothing. Of course, no tribute to Helen would be complete without mentioning her great love for cats. Helen will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of the Wesley Community for the compassionate care and support they provided Helen and her family since 2020.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, N.Y. 12189, on Saturday, December 31, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a Memorial Service to begin at 12:30p.m.