Obituary of Helen Hemmer

Helen Grabosky Hemmer passed away at 102 at her home on November 8, 2024.  She was born Helen Marie Grabosky on May 6, 1922, in Syracuse, NY, to her parents Bertha (Walser) and Carl Grabosky. 

Helen attended schools in Syracuse, graduated with a B.S. degree in Social Work from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY,and went to Fordham University in New York City for graduate training in Social Service Case work.  She served as a case worker in the Onondaga Juvenile Court, and she was a dedicatedadoption case worker for Catholic Charities in NY until retirement.

She married Nicholas H. Hemmer, Jr. on September 8, 1951, at Holy Trinity Church in Syracuse. They were residents of Poughkeepsie, NY since 1967.

Helen volunteered for many years at the Gift Shop at Vassar Hospital and also volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program in Poughkeepsie.  She enjoyed playing golf but mostly enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.  

She is survived by her children Nicholas H. Hemmer, III (Suzanne), Anne H. Kruczek, and Mark C. Hemmer.  Her four grandchildren, Sarah Hanford (Shon), Elizabeth St. John (Scott),Nicollette Hemmer (Corbin) and Cassandra Hemmer.  Her seven great grandchildren, Dean TenBroeck, Austin, Caroline and Natalie Hanford, and Madison, Olivia and Bennett St. John.

Her husband, Nicholas, predeceased her in 2020 after enjoying69 years together.

We want to thank all of Helen’s friends and helpers who allowed her to make her final years productive and enjoyable with great dignity. All who knew her recognized the amazingly smart, strong and determined woman she was who was dedicated to the health and happiness of her family and friends.  

Arrangements are being made through Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Poughkeepsie, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to Hudson Valley Hospice https://www.hvhospice.org/