Helen S. Gaige

Helen Virginia Stengel Gaige passed away, August 29, 2024, in her hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY. Helen was born Arril 25, 1928, in Allentown PA. She was preceded in death by her parents Helen Toppy Stengel and Leo Samuel Stengel; her husband Herbert Samuel Gaige and by her cherished daughter Rebecca Gaige-Troxell. She is survived by her son Herbert Samuel Gaige, Jr.; her daughter Marabeth Gaige Carr (Edgar Toms Carr); her two grandsons Thomas Gaige Troxell (Tara), Edgar Toms Carr, Jr (Lauren) and many nieces and nephews.Helen’s early education started at the Roesselville School in Colonie, from there she attended the Vincentian Institute in Albany. Helen’s artistic talent led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts/Art Education from Nazareth College in Rochester NY. She completed her master’s degree in art education at the NY State University College of Oswego and the NY State University College of New Paltz. Lastly, in 1978 she obtained a Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration from SUNY New Paltz. She began her career as a high school art teacher at Draper High School in Schenectady NY, there, she met her beloved husband of 66 years. Soon after, the young couple relocated to Sodus, NY and began a family. They eventually settled in New Paltz, NY where Herbert was a professor at SUNY New Paltz and Helen an art teacher at the adjacent Vandenberg Learning Center (AKA the Campus School) a K-8th practice school for the college. She genuinely loved teaching and immensely enjoyed her time there. When the school closed in 1982, she was one of few staff reassigned to the SUNY New Paltz where she had a successful career in art education. After retiring as the Department Chair, she relocated to Saratoga Springs NY., where she was approached by Sidmore College to assist them in overseeing Art Education Students and did so for the next few years. Wherever Helen worked, she made numerous friends with not only her colleagues but many of her students. Helen's love for art, her family and her many friends kept Helen busy, but never too busy for her to volunteer. She spent many hours at the Saratoga Springs Library resale store (The Book Bag), and the Saratoga History Museum. She cherished her friendships in the Albany area, Sodus, New Paltz, Saratoga Springs, Galway Lake, and Jupiter Fl. She was the heart of her family and is greatly missed.