Helen (Shaheen) Ferris

Mrs. Helen (Shaheen) Ferris, age 83, of New Hartford, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2006, in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 4, 1923, Helen was the daughter of the late Habib and Sadie (Tamer) Shaheen. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On November 27, 1952, she was united in the sacrament of marriage with Anthony J. Ferris, Sr., a blessed union of 54 years. They were a compatible and inseparable couple. Many would remember Helen for the sincere and gracious care she displayed while working in the medical office of her brother, Dr. A.L. Shaheen. All the endeavors in her life were cultivated with respect and compassion, but her greatest purpose was focused on her family, from which she received her greatest joys. She was a communicant of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Mrs. Ferris is survived by her husband, Tony; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Jo and Richard Kukla of Pittsford, NY, and Sara and Michael Sciortino of South Riding, VA; and two sons, Roger Ferris of New Hartford, and Anthony J. Ferris, Jr. and his friend Ann Marie Mizgala of New Hartford. She is also survived by her adored and cherished grandchildren, Bennett and Christopher Jude, and Mary Sophia and Jack. Also surviving are her sisters and brothers-in-law, Jennie Shaheen of Sherburne, Mary and Thomas Maroun of Pittsfield, MA, and Agnes and Charles Lewis of Westmoreland; and her brothers and sister-in-law, Dr. Abraham “A.L.” and Ruth Shaheen of New Hartford, and Dr. George Shaheen of Fayetteville, NY. Her extended family includes many loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. In addition, she leaves her in-laws, Helen Abounader, Fred Ferris, Joseph Ferris, Gloria Sakran, and Tillie Ferris. She was also blessed with many wonderful friends. Helen was predeceased by her sisters, Victoria Shaheen, and Catherine Shaheen, and her in-laws, Joseph Shaheen, Angie Shaheen, Moses and Sadie Abounader, Roger Ferris, George Abounader, Kay Ferris, and Ray Sakran. Visitation will be held today (Tuesday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered this evening at 6:30 at the Funeral Home. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Helen’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Abraham House; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Her funeral will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Bassam Saade, Pastor. Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Helen (Shaheen) Ferris

April 4, 1923 - December 2, 2006