Helen (Hartnett) Anderson of Fairmount, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully at home on June 19th, 2024. Helen was the daughter of the late Daniel and Gertrude (O’Donnell) Hartnett. Born and raised in Truxton, NY, Helen was a graduate of Truxton Central School and CCBI. She was employed as a secretary at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and retired from Syracuse University’s College of Nursing. It was at Fireman’s Fund where Helen met and fell in love with her husband Tom. They were married on October 21, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Church in Truxton, NY. From there, they moved into their home in Fairmount where they lovingly raised their six children.
Helen was meant to be a mom. She cherished her family, selflessly putting their needs before her own. She was the rare parent who actually cried when summer was over, and her children went back to school. Helen was a devout Catholic who drew joy and strength from her faith. Through times of celebration, struggle, sorrow and the ordinary moments of everyday life, Helen’s faith was ever present.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Tom, two sons, Thomas and Christopher and most recently, her daughter, Monica. Helen was also predeceased by her brothers Donel, Charles and Louis Hartnett; her sisters, Mary Schirmer and Katherine Hartnett; brothers- and sisters-in-law Richard Neugebauer, Elizabeth “Dickie” Hartnett, Phyllis Hartnett, Janice Hartnett, Mary Ann Anderson, and John Anderson.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Katherine and David Bidwell, her daughter Maureen Anderson, her son and daughter-in-law Edward and Ellen Anderson, and four grandchildren Thomas and Robert Bidwell and Ella and Jack Anderson who brought their Gammie much joy. Helen is also survived by her sister, Anne Neugebauer; brothers- and sisters-in-law, James and Mary Lou Anderson, Margaret and James McLaughlin, Patricia McAuliffe and many nieces and nephews.
Helen’s family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers and Hospice of CNY who provided exceptional care to our mom, allowing us to honor her wishes to die peacefully in her own home.
Calling hours will be Monday, June 24 from 11:00 AM – noon at Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski Funeral Home, 5854 Belle Isle Road, Syracuse, NY 13209. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 PM at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Drive, Syracuse, NY 13219. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dewitt.
Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St. Liverpool, NY 13088 or Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.
