Helen (Klock) Mathews

Mrs. Helen (Klock) Mathews, age 92, of Utica, beloved mother of Pat and Art Flihan, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2006, at the St. Joseph Nursing Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Canajoharie, NY on June 7, 1914, Helen was the daughter of the late Raymond and Mae (Lettice) Klock. Raised and educated there, she was a graduate of Canajoharie High School. She was married to Donald Mathews and shared a steadfast union with him until his passing in 1942. Exacting and diligent in her work, Helen was employed as an executive secretary at Arkell & Smith's of Canajoharie, and International Paper of Glens Falls. She relocated to Glens Falls, NY, and upon retirement, moved to Utica. Helen was a gentle and kindhearted woman who always found the virtuous qualities in everyone she encountered. A woman who made many sacrifices for her family, she is especially cherished and esteemed by her daughter Pat, who thanks her mother for all her selfless love and guidance. Helen enjoyed reading and rooting for the New York Yankees during her leisure time. She found spiritual solace in attending daily mass at the St. Joseph Nursing home; she had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and was honored when asked to crown her in a special nursing home coronation ceremony. She was a communicant of St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro. Mrs. Mathews is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia “Pat” and Ramah “Art” Flihan of Utica. Always close to her heart was the memory of her beloved daughter, Kathleen DellaRocca, who passed away on May 1, 1992. Helen was exceedingly proud of her accomplished grandchildren who survive her: James and Gina Flihan of Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Donald and Peri Flihan of Clinton, David and Denise Flihan of Whitesboro, and Amy and Stan McLean of NH; she also adored her great-grandchildren who were the "apples of her eye": James, Fred, and Brandon, all of Las Vegas, NV, Gabrielle and David of Whitesboro, and Jenna of Clinton. She also leaves a dear friend, Joan Lake, who was a “true companion” to her, and her latest friends, Clara and Frances, of the St. Joseph Nursing Home. The family offers its sincere thanks to the Carmelite Sisters and staff of St. Joseph Nursing Home 3rd Floor for truly treating Helen as family; appreciation also to Helen’s friends at Buck Apartments, and Pat’s family and friends for always including Helen at family gatherings and activities. In keeping with Helen’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 10:30 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home Chapel with Rev. David Sambor officiating. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial offerings in Helen’s honor to the St. Joseph Nursing Home; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. “Mom, please remember to say a prayer for us”

Helen (Klock) Mathews

June 7, 1914 - August 7, 2006