Helen Marie Mayer, 90, of Tivoli

TIVOLI >> Helen Marie Mayer was peacefully welcomed home into the arms of the Lord on Sept. 24, 2016, just 10 days shy of her 91st birthday.

Helen was born on Oct. 4, 1925, in Kingston. She was one of eight children born to Lena and Burdett Wolven.

Helen grew up in Kingston and married her next door neighbor, Frank Mayer.

They were married for 62 years, residing in Zena for over 50 years. Helen was the self-proclaimed “Mayer of Zena” and was famous for her baked goods, especially her fudge and chocolate chip cookies. Helen moved to Tivoli in 2009 to live near her daughter and caretaker, Mary Ellen.

Helen’s life was one of service to other people and she leaves behind a legacy of helping others. In her lifetime, she was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Woodstock and the High Woods Reformed Church. She was a founding member of the Zena Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and was active in its fund-raising efforts for 46 years. She volunteered at local food banks and other community-related events.

Helen’s greatest attribute was her love for her family and friends. In return, she was loved and adored any generations of nieces and nephews. Helen was extremely grateful and appreciated the loving care she was given in her own home by Barbara Martin, Betty Klawson, Loretta Day and her niece, Jeanne Lange. They each held a special place in her heart.

Helen will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Mary Ellen Mayer of Tivoli; a daughter-in-law, Georgeanne Mayer of Niskayuna; grandchildren, Tammylynn Mayer, Denise and Tim Kensky of Niskayuna and Christine Vierstra of Saugerties; great-grandchildren, Molly Haggerty, Michael Mayer Marshall, Matthew Kensky and Chelsea and Aubrey Vierstra. One sister, Barbara Viano of Kingston, survives from the original eight siblings.

A loving son, Michael Mayer (2003), and her husband, Frank A. Mayer (2005), predeceased her.

There will be no calling hours.

Please honor Helen by joining us in a celebration of her life on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the High Woods Reformed Church, with a family friend, the Rev. Howard Smith, officiating. Following the service everyone is invite to the church hall for a luncheon and fellowship to share memories among people who loved her. We hope to see all who wish to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Helen by donating in her memory to one of her favorite organizations: the Zena Fire Company or Hudson Valley Hospice, 400 Aaron Court, Kingston, N.Y. 12401.