HUDSON FALLS – Helen (Zolnowski) McCann, 96, formerly of Jasper Street, died peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility in Fort Edward.
Born on June 21, 1922 in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Anna Zolnowski.
Following graduation from Hudson Falls High School, Helen enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. She was very proud to have served her country during World War II. After her honorable discharge, Helen continued her education at Katherine Gibbs School in Boston, MA.
On October 29, 1949, she married Paul T. McCann at St Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls. He passed away on July 15, 1998, after 48 wonderful years of marriage.
Helen loved working alongside her husband, at McCann’s Pharmacy in Hudson Falls, where she ran the show.
She was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.
She was a master Bridge player and played well into her 80’s. Helen was happiest spending summers at her cottage on Hadlock.
Besides her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by her infant son, James and her sisters, Estelle Francato, Genevieve Garrant , Ethel Bubbins, her nephews, Joseph McCann and Rodney Bobbins and her great niece, Marcia Francato Perrin.
Survivors include her children, Kathleen McCann of Hudson Falls, Dr. Thomas McCann and his wife, Sharon of Orchard Park, Richard McCann and Brian McCann, both of Hudson Falls; her grandchildren, Robert Doty, Adam Doty, Christopher McCann, Aaron McCann, Jason McCann, Laura Campbell, Matthew McCann and Kara Devine; 15 great grandchildren; her special niece, Ann Marie Francato and several other nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8th at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gara and the staff on D Wing at Fort Hudson for the wonderful care given to Helen during her stay.
In honor of Helen, McCann’s Pharmacy will be closed on Saturday, June 8th.
Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, A Taste For Life, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.
Mrs McCann was a gracious and warm person all the years I knew her. Hudson Falls has lost a wonderful lady. Our condolences to all her family.
Thank you Gary and Emmy for the kind words about Mom. It means a lot to me coming from you.
I got to know Helen at the Nursing Home. I would go to visit my Aunt Venita Duffany. They sat at the same table for meals. I would sit between Helen and my aunt. Helen and I quickly became friends. I would make her laugh and she would always say, I hope you come back soon. I just loved her! She would say,” I wish you were my neighbor”. She would always try to offer me some of her food, so I started bringing my own, so I could sit and eat with them. I would hug and kiss her and my aunt before I left. I know she is with God and her husband right now. Please know that she was tired and ready to go. I offer my sympathy to her family. RIP my friend! XOXO
Dear McCann family, We are truly sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Very sorry for your loss. I only got to know your mom at the nursing home, she was always very pleasent to me. My mom enjoyed her company and is going to miss her deeply.
I knew Helen mostly through her long friendship with my mom, Eunice Tarantino. They were travel companions and competitive within their Bridge Club. I enjoyed visiting Helen at Fort Hudson after my mom passed; she would share some of her memories of my mom and her. She also would tell me all about her children and their families. She loved you all so much. She was grateful for the life she had. I hope she’s up there playing Bridge with Mom right now, laughing away. My sympathies to you all at her passing.
Our sincerest condolences to the McCann family for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Andy Watkins and Nancy Urso
Growing up and walking past McCann’s Pharmacy every day to and from St. Mary’s school, I became fast friends with Brian in first grade and this friendship remained throughout High School and beyond. Over the years upon visiting HF and my Mother ( Eunice Tarantino), I would learn that the Tarantino / McCann family bonds became even stronger as my Mother would always recall fondly various stories of Helen and their travels together. How she enjoyed and loved your Mother so very much and considered her the epitome of elegance and grace!! On behalf of my family, we extend to the entire McCann family our love and most sincere condolences.
My favorite memory of your mom and mine happened on our Canadian Rocky train tour: These two World War II women remained beautiful even to their eighties. Proof a rather handsome elderly man we met on a side tour on that trip spent the day flirting with Helen and Eunice. Oh how we enjoyed that excursion getting to see why mom so enjoyed your mom’s friendship. Both such good moms and grandmas. Both independent, principled women who never experienced defeat at any bridegroom table. Most importantly at the game of life, when there were sorrows, these twin survivors just got stronger. Ah what role models for us all!
On behalf of my mother Elizabeth (Szostak) Parrish (classmate of Helen’s), Rick and myself we wish to express our sincere condolences to the family. I’m sure the amazing life of this gracious woman has been an inspiration to her family and those she called friends. I spoke this morning with Jason and he shared information about her passing. It is a true gift to live to almost 97 and pass like an angel. It is sad to say good bye but a wonderful assurance to know that she has gone home in peace.
Our deepest condolences and prayers to your family on the loss of this precious woman. A blessing to her family, her community and her country. Out thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
The Casscles Family, Argyle, NY