Obituary of Helen Fondacaro

Ms. Helen Fondacaro, 93, passed away on June 28, 2011, one week shy of her 94th birthday. She was born on July 5, 1917 in Amsterdam, New York, the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants Pranas and Judita Barkevich. After raising her family, she was employed by the Enterprise Department Store in Amsterdam prior to entering the Amsterdam School of Practical Nursing where she became an LPN Licensed Practical Nurse. After earning her degree, Helen worked at Mount Loretto, Amsterdam Memorial Hospital and in private duty nursing for many years. After retiring from nursing, she worked for the Greater Amsterdam School District. In her early years, Helen was an avid traveler. She visited many countries, while also journeying throughout the United States. Helen was completely devoted to her family and took great pleasure in sharing memories of special family moments and events with others. She is survived by her three children, Joseph Mary Fondacaro of Ballston Lake, New York; Judith George Brown of Vancouver, Washington; and Janet Adamchick Edward Vainosky of Amsterdam, New York. She is also survived by her six loving grandchildren Thomas Kimberli Adamchick, Teresa Wesley Dodson, Renee Fondacaro Henry Sowizral, Michael Manisha Fondacaro, David Allison Fondacaro, Gregg Jessica Brown; and her beloved great-grandchildren T.J. and Alexandra Ptachick, Craig and Lauren Adamchick, Samuel and Benjamin Fondacaro and Grace and Kellen Brown. Helen is predeceased by her parents and her dear brother Peter Barkevich, Sr. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10 o'clock at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 o'clock at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street Amsterdam with Fr. John Medwid as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Casimir's Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call one hour prior to the prayer service beginning at 9 o'clock. The family sincerely thanks River Ridge Living Center and special friends Erika, Charla and Pam for their care and loving support. Memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice or River Ridge Living Center Activities in Helen's name.