Helene A. Macpherson

ALBANY - Helene A. MacPherson of Albany, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, February 19, 2021, at the age of 93. She was the loving wife of the late Ronald C. MacPherson; mother of Rory (Doris Kloster), Lori, Wendy (Michael Kopchik), Andrea Van Seters (Steve), Donna Preslar (Brian) and the late Barbara (wife of the late John Carpenter); grandmother of John Gavin Carpenter (Danielle), Kyle Carpenter (Tara), Logan Carpenter, Casey Esler (Jack Henry), Luke Van Seters, Alexa Van Seters, Samantha Van Seters, Weston Preslar and Ron Bernhaut; great grandmother of Charlotte Carpenter; sister of Raymond Van Steen (Edith), Christina Giordano and the late William Van Steen (Carole); and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Helene was born in Springfield Gardens, Queens, NY on August 19, 1927, graduated from Sewanhaka High School, Floral Park, NY in 1945 and studied acting at the Feagin School of Dramatic Art in New York City. She performed with theatrical touring companies and in live dramas on early television programs.

Helene met her future husband, Ronald, at a wedding reception where she was the featured vocalist singing with the dance band. Together they raised a loving family of individuals and by example instilled a sense of fairness, open-mindedness and perpetual growth. Helene was never wanting for fun projects, from creating tablecloth tents and cardboard-carton forts to sewing prom dresses and wedding veils. She had a gift for constant cheerfulness and a positive outlook which was contagious. She excelled at listening, always, anytime and had the ability to make those in her life feel important and so deeply loved.

Helene was an early pioneer of community television production and broadcasting, having participated in the Women in Video Program of the Albany Community Video Project and producing programing for Albany's budding public access channel, Capital Cablevision, during the late 1970s.

After raising six children, Helene worked as receptionist at the law firms Nolan & Heller and Rowley Forrest O'Donnell, and she retired from her position at Sunmark Credit Union at age 82. Helene was an active parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville having served over the years on the Parish Council, the Liturgical Committee, the Rosary Society and the Parent-Teacher Association and she was a valued member of the church choir for over 30 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 12:00 pm noon on Saturday, February 27, in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY. COVID safety restrictions will be in place, including mask-wearing and socially-distanced seating, directed by ambassadors. Please only enter through the main doors with your complete group by 11:50 to facilitate safe seating. Or you are welcome to participate virtually via Parish Website Live Videos | St. Pius X Parish (stpiusxloudonville.org). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helene's name to Covenant House at www.covenanthouse.org, or mailed to Covenant House, 461 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10001. To view Helene's guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.newcomeralbany.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helene's name to Covenant House at www.covenanthouse.org, or mailed to Covenant House, 461 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10001. To view Helene's guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.newcomeralbany.com.