Obituary of Helen Abbattisti

Helen Abbattisti, 79, of Amsterdam, NY passed away peacefully on Monday May 31, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family.  Helen was born on October 30, 1941, in Amsterdam, NY, delivered into the world by her hero Dr. Andrew Casano.

A lifelong Amsterdam resident, Helen attended local schools graduating in 1959 from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School.  She went on to become a hairdresser, attending Cologna Beauty School and Alfred Tech.

Helen was married to her high school heart throb. She had no choice but to travel the world since that was her husband’s enjoyment.  Visiting Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska in addition to numerous cruises to the Caribbean & Mediterranean brought her great joy.  Her favorites being Venice and Hawaii.

Helen was truly a loyal friend.  She loved hosting parties at her home and always looked forward to the next holiday.  She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Many joyful days were spent volunteering at Saint Mary’s Institute.  She cherished the time spent caring for the SMI students, who couldn’t wait to see what Mrs. “A” would dress up as for the next Holiday!  Helen was instrumental in organizing and maintaining the SMI Holiday Gift Shop.  She treasured the lasting relationships she formed with the students and her co-workers.

Helen is survived by her Husband Joe of 56 years; sons Greg (Beth) and Mark (Carol) and her beloved granddaughter Kayla, whom she cherished; great-grandchildren Carmen & Collin; her sister Mary Fetterly of Syracuse, NY; sisters- in-law, Nell Frascatore of Tribes Hill, NY and Carol Abatisti of Cape Coral, FL; along with several nieces and nephews.

Helen was very grateful for the loving care of the doctors and nurses of SMH Cancer Center as well as the compassionate care of the Hospice team.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis as celebrant.  Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 3 until 6p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place. Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org or The Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.