Mrs. Helen L. (Thompson) Harrington

N. UTICA – Mrs. Helen L. (Thompson) Harrington, age 88, passed away in the comfort and dignity of her own home on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Born in Rome, NY on October 15, 1935, Helen was the daughter of the late Charles and Marion (Robinson) Thompson. She was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School-Class of 1953. Later in life, she continued her education at MVCC. On July 3, 1953, Helen married John Richard “Dick” Harrington, whom she met at a New Year’s Eve party. The two of them always got along well and were a great team. They possessed the ability to support and rely on one another. Mutual respect was a cornerstone of their foundation. They shared nearly 71 years of marriage. Right out of high school, Helen entered the workforce, but set that aside to raise her children before going back to work when they were all in school. She held a number of positions before accepting employment with Utica National Insurance Group. She began as a file clerk and transitioned to underwriting in the bond department. “Though she be little, she be fierce.” There was nothing Helen wouldn’t do for her family. She was resilient and kind, truly always willing and happy to help. She was involved in her church, community, and in her children’s activities. She was a proud member of the New Hartford American Legion Post 1376 Ladies Auxiliary. She volunteered with Catholic Charities as one of their “Pillow Ladies” at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, sewing heart-shaped pillows for those recovering from heart surgery. She joined the Quilt Club in New Hartford; St. Mark’s Altar Rosary Society and children’s choir; taught religion; was a Cub Scout Den mother; and a PTA room mother. She possessed a creative spirit. From seamstress, to painting, to crafting her talents were many. Her energy seemed endless. Helen used her skills for sewing, knitting, painting, quilting, crocheting, and gardening. But raising her five children was her biggest and proudest accomplishment. Her organizational skills allowed her and Dick to successfully raise their family. Her humor, smile, and laugh will never be forgotten. Helen’s family will always remember the Harrington Family Holiday Parties, especially her love of Easter. Her family cherishes the time she spent arranging Easter festivities and egg hunts for her grandchildren. Her Catholic faith was a guide in her life. Helen and Dick were founding members and parishioners of St. Mark’s Church beginning in 1964. Helen is survived by her beloved husband, Dick; her children and their spouses, Susan and Michael Dolan, Michael Harrington and his wife Patricia Manley, Gail and Richard Hanss, Richard and Laurie Harrington, and Judy and Steve Horvath. She also is fondly remembered by her grandchildren and their loves: Laura and Chase Hunter, Sarah and Wayne Schumaker; Natalie Harrington and her husband Alex Wagner, Madeline Harrington and her fiancé Jordyn Purpura; Brian Horvath; Emily and Ari Kramer, Jacob Hanss and his wife Emily Roesch, and Joseph Hanss; and her great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “GG”: Caleb and Cayden Hunter, Jenna and Ryan Schumaker, and Ruby Hanss. She was happily anticipating the arrival of her sixth great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mabel and Charles “Chuck” Kimball. She held close to her heart the memory of her brother who predeceased her in his childhood, Richard “Dickie” Thompson. She will further be remembered by several nieces, nephews, and their families. She was additionally predeceased by her in-laws, Merton "Bud" and June Harrington, and Shirley and Francis O’Brien. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Helen’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Helen’s name may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online/ or the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter at www.alz.org/centralnewyork. Envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Mrs. Helen L. (Thompson) Harrington

October 15, 1935 - June 8, 2024