Mrs. Helen L. (Boehlert) Ferro

Mrs. Helen Louise (Boehlert) Ferro, age 86, completed this life’s journey when she passed away on April 14, 2016 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her humor sparkled throughout her life. Helen was born in Utica on April 20, 1929, the daughter of the late Harold E. and Margaret (McCarthy) Boehlert. Raised and educated locally, she graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School with a Regents Honors diploma in 1947. She married Charles J. Ferro at St. Francis De Sales Church on August 7, 1948. Following their wedding, the couple moved to New York City where Charles attended the U.S. Brewer’s Academy and Helen was employed at Lord & Taylor on Fifth Ave. With a great thirst for knowledge, Helen would locate textbooks and read them after her children were put to bed. She delved into Theology, Psychology, and even read the Bible in its entirety. Reading medical books also took up portions of her time, both as a personal interest and out of necessity as the mother of four boys. Helen learned to read and write Italian, and enjoyed learning about astrology and paranormal phenomena such as those described by Edgar Cayce. The Civil War was of special interest to Helen. Her great-grandfather, Joseph McCarthy, served two tours of duty in the Union Army between 1861 and 1865. The pursuit of information related to the Civil War added to her knowledge of family as well as that of national history. During free moments, of which there were not many, Helen often wrote poetry and enjoyed creating little prayers. Her words have appeared on these pages in tributes to family members or strangers who had had some notable experience. A mother inside and outside the home, Helen did volunteer work as a Room Mother during lunch breaks at St. Francis and St. Stephen (Geneva, NY) schools, and she was a Cub Scout den mother. Helen loved music and studied singing for a number of years. Her voice soothed and entertained all of her children. She was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Helen is survived by her husband, Charles; her sons and daughters-in-law, Charles A. and Rita Ferro of Copenhagen, Denmark; John J. and Christine Ferro of Remsen; Thomas A. Ferro (her precious son who lived at home); Daniel J. and Francine Ferro of Clayville; and by her grandchildren: Deanna Lee Ferro-Aurience and her husband Anthony Aurience of Utica; Maria-Celeste Ferro and her husband Teo Breland – and a great-granddaughter Emely Amanda of Copenhagen; Dr. Eric John Ferro of Boston; Rochelle Lynn Ferro of Utica, and Anthony Charles Ferro and Jennifer Ann Ferro of Clayville. Family survivors include her sisters Margaret “Peggy” Messina and Barbara Young, both of Utica; her beloved sisters-in-law Dolores E. Boehlert and Genevieve Gigliotti; and many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, and a great-great nephew. Helen was predeceased by her infant daughter Mary Elizabeth; her brother Richard “Dick” Joseph Boehlert; her parents-in-law Anthony J. and Daisy Ferro; and her special aunt Florence Hagen. Helen’s family extends sincere appreciation to the staffs of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. and the Presbyterian Home of Central NY. for the compassionate care they rendered to Helen. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Helen’s memory may make a donation to Doctors Without Borders or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Helen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on her birthday, Wednesday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m.from the funeral home and at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Committal prayers and Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery. Helen leaves this world with this final thought: ”To my joy, the mountains of life that I did not climb, my children and grandchildren have … and reached every peak. You are my legacy.”

Mrs. Helen L. (Boehlert) Ferro

April 20, 1929 - April 14, 2016