Obituary of Helen P. Blank

Helen Dennehy Blank lived vibrantly and brilliantly until December 31, 2019. A native of New York City, Helen was the daughter of the late Timothy and Helen Dennehy (nee Galvin), both originally from County Cork, Ireland. Helen was a proud alumnus of Hunter College High School and attended Hunter College and the New York School of Interior Design. Helen was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and loved to sing and hear Irish music, especially the old ‘rebel’ songs. She was overjoyed to be able to visit Ireland with her daughters in 2003, and to visit the family homes where her father and mother were each born. Helen's love of animals really shone on this trip; she always had a doggie bag at the ready so she could feed any and all four-legged friends she encountered along the way. In her 88 years on this earth, Helen never lost her love of laughter or her sense of humor. A gifted raconteur and unparalleled wit, Helen’s bright personality and infectious laugh would light up a room and she was easily the life of every party. But Helen wasn’t just another pretty face. She was a smart, savvy, and shrewd real estate enthusiast who loved investing in the market and refurbishing houses. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband George in 1996 and by her dear brother Robert in 1999. She is survived by her loving brother Dennis “Joe” Dennehy (Holly) and by her devoted daughters Linda Blank Smith and Siobhan Blank. Helen is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends whom she loved with all her being. Linda and Siobhan were Helen’s primary caregivers in her final years and worked hard to give Helen the best and most comfortable life possible. They are eternally thankful to the caring staff at Nathan Littauer Nursing Home, for providing this care in Helen’s final days and months. They also extend their gratitude to the staff at the Gloversville Dialysis Center for making that procedure as comfortable as possible for Helen. Friends and family who would like to pay their respects to Helen are invited to call on Thursday, January 9, from 4 to 8 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY. A burial service will be held at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, NY on Friday, January 10, at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s name to the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home, Gloversville, NY. Helen will be missed deeply and remembered lovingly. She will reside in our hearts forever and her spirit will be with us always. "Though we need to weep your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts Where no storm or night or pain can reach you. Your love was like the dawn Brightening over our lives, Awakening beneath the dark A further adventure of color. The sound of your voice Found for us A new music That brightened everything." John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Invocations and Blessings