McDONOUGH – Our angel and mother, Helen E. Spencer, 81, of McDonough, entered into eternal rest with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 8, 2007.
Born in Leroy, Pa., on Aug. 2, 1925, Helen was the daughter of Irwin and Almina (Brown) Hatton. She received her education in the Leroy schools, and married Russell Cowan in 1942. Russell died serving his country during World War II. On Feb. 14, 1946, in Ulster, Pa., Helen married Burleigh Spencer. The Spencers lived in Waverly for a time before moving in 1959 to McDonough, where Helen would spend the remainder of her years.
Blessed with a lovely voice and the ability to yodel, Helen was the true definition of love. She never had a cross word or negative thought for anyone and always found the good in everybody. She loved the outdoors and nature, was fond of animals, and enjoyed picking blueberries. Helen always led a simple life, and her family and friends attest that she was a good cook. She was devoted to her church, the Norwich Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she once taught Sabbath school and vacation bible school.
Helen is survived by her children: Jack R. Cowan of Greene, Robert Spencer of Coventry; David Spencer and wife Virginia, Gary Spencer and wife Nancy, and Daniel Spencer and wife Pati, all of Pharsalia; Pamela Bassett and husband Terry of North Pharsalia, Paula Bishop and husband Chuck of South Plymouth, and Priscilla Walker and companion Wayne Marsh of Cincinnatus. She is also survived by 33 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; her sister, Irean Thurston of Preston; several nieces and nephews; and a large extended family of dear friends. Besides her first husband, Russell, Helen was predeceased by her second husband of 52 years, Burleigh Spencer, on April 18, 1998; her sisters: Leva Cowan, Aletha Bush, and Lina Fleming; and her brothers, Clarence and Edward Hatton.
Funeral services for Helen will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. John Portney, pastor of the Norwich Seventh Day Adventist Church, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Glenwood Cemetery of Waverly. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Norwich Seventh Day Adventist Church, 804 County Rd. 10A, Norwich, NY 13815.