HUDSON FALLS – Helen L. (Meehan) Staunches, 78, passed away on Monday, July 11,2022, after a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. She lived, worked, and played hard, as all who knew her can attest. She loved to be the center of attention, and you always knew where you stood with her, as she didn’t hold anything back.
Helen was born in Cheever, New York, a now-defunct mining settlement. She grew up in the surrounding areas, Witherbee, Mineville, Port Henry, etc. Helen loved to cook and eat, and even more, she loved to share her food with others. With her husband Robert “Bob” and kids in tow, she traveled all over the U. S. and Europe, stationed in various places while Bob was in the U. S. Air Force. Bob was also her first boyfriend, whom she met in Mineville. Later, with her long-time companion Lenard “Sippy” Sipowicz, her favorite pastime was dragging poor Sippy all over the North Country and elsewhere to different shopping venues, restaurants, and to visit relatives (he was just fine staying at home).
Helen enjoyed a long lifetime of working various jobs wherever she lived, but she finished up here in the local area, working many years at the Ciba Geigy plant, and then she worked as a cook at West Mount Nursing Home facility, where she eventually retired. After retirement, she spent several years enjoying good food and traveling. She especially loved going on cruises with her friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Josephine (Walsh) Meehan, her husband of many years, Bob Staunches, and her long-time companion Lenard Sipowicz.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Depew of Plattsburgh; her sons, Chris (Hope) Staunches of Lake George and Robert Staunches, Jr. of St. Petersburgh, FL; her daughter, Kimberlee Staunches of Ballston Spa; her grandchildren, Jessica Staunches, Robert Staunches, III, Crystal (Murad) Bayramov, Caitlin (Shamus) Ordway, Zoe (Jacob) Webster, Wyatt (Erin) Staunches, Lydia Staunches, Josie Staunches and Morgan Staunches; many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren; numerous friends (too many to list here) and her lifetime, always-by-her-side, best friend Sally Stevens, whom she has known since kindergarten.
Friends may call on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 4 to 5 PM at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.
The funeral service will follow the calling hours at 5 P.M. on Thursday, at the funeral home.
A reception to celebrate Helen’s life, will follow across the street at the New Life House, 2 Willow Street in Hudson Falls.
The family would like to thank The Pines at Glens Falls, Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, where Helen spent her final years. We learned right away that they loved her, took good care of her, and treated her like family; and she loved them.
Donations in her memory can be given to The Pines, 170 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
I am sadden to read of Helen’s passing. Before the covid shut down I brought Communion to Helen at the Pines. I always enjoyed visiting her. She had a great sense of humor and we shared our love of jewelry. She was so kind and watched out for her fellow residents. I missed seeing her during the covid shutdown and often wondered how she was doing. I was delighted to see her this Spring when we resumed Communion visits. I feel truly blessed that she came into my life even for a short time. My deepest condolences to Helen’s family.
One of the most THOUGHTFUL,loving people I’ve ever met…To work with her at Westmount and also be her friend was a blessing…she could always crack a joke..one of the last times I saw her she yelled “Is that you Stark ?? I can hear your big mouth” My granddaughters ROARED !! How glad she’ll be to be home with the people she loved and lost..My prayers to the Staunches family ❤️