Little Falls – Helen E. Donnelly, 100, a long time Little Falls resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 6, 2016 with her loving family by her side.

She was born July 21, 1916 in Little Falls the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Stack) Donnelly. Helen was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, St. Elizabeth Nursing School, and Syracuse University.

Helen was last employed as a teacher for the Syracuse School System. At one time she was employed as a school nurse for the Little Falls School System, Little Falls Hospital, and a Herkimer County Health Nurse.

A loving and caring aunt, Helen treated all her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. The family has many fond memories of traveling with Helen. She took her nieces and nephews on many fun and exciting adventures. Her positive outlook on life was infectious to all. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her brother, Frank Donnelly of Cicero; several nieces & nephews, Kathy (Herm) Schwasnick, Donna (Steve) Reid, Peggy Vespi, Gina (Gordon) Ackerman, John (Trudy) Pellerito, Frank (Nan) Donnelly, Jr., Mark (Michelle) Donnelly, Matt (Lisa) Donnelly, Kevin Donnelly, Cindy (Jack) Needle, Ken (Lisa) Donnelly, Tim Donnelly, Leo T. (Carole) Murphy, Elaine Murphy, Pat (John) Griffith, and Mary (John) Ryding and many friends including Sharon Bosch and Maria Reynolds.

She was pre-deceased by her sibling, Peter Donnelly, Marie (John) Pellerito, Irene (Leo) Murphy and a sister-in-law, Josephine Donnelly.

Helen was an active parishioner of Holy Family Parish and its Altar Rosary Society.  A truly religious person, Helen found much solace and peace every day at morning mass.

Family and friends may call at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service – (next to NBT Bank), located at 527 East Albany Street, Herkimer, NY (866-1500), on Wednesday November 9, 2016 from 9 am until 10:00 am. Her Funeral Mass will begin on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 10:00 am from the chapel of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service with prayer, and at 11:00 am from Holy Family Parish (corner of John & Main St.) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Terence Healy and assisted by Deacon James Bower. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Herkimer, NY.

 All memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family Parish Restoration Fund, 763 East Main St., Little Falls, NY 13365. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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