Obituary of Helen N. Smith

Helen Natalie Cody Smith, 89, of Delmar, NY, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2015 at Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Center, Delmar, NY. Helen was born in Cambridge, MA to John F. Cody and Anna C. Hansen on October 26, 1925. Helen was a first generation American: her father immigrated to Boston, MA from Ireland and her mother from Norway. Helen earned a degree in Sociology from Tufts University. She married her loving husband, Ralph B. Smith, Sr. in 1948 and they moved to Albany, NY and then to Delmar in 1957 where they built the home Helen resided in until her passing and where they raised their son, Ralph Jr. Ralph Sr. passed away in 1978. Helen worked as an executive secretary and research associate for the New York State Legislature for many years. She enjoyed a career at the center of State politics. In retirement, she focused on her love of painting landscapes and traveled multiple times to Rockport, MA and Ireland for painting tours/classes and exhibited in local art shows. She also loved to travel and play bridge and was actively involved in the Bethlehem Art Association, the Delmar Progress Club, Bethlehem Business Women, the Town of Bethlehem Historical Association and the Bethlehem Republican Committee. She made many decades-long friendships through her work, through her community activities/clubs and with neighbors. Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ralph Jr. and Karen of Delmar who will miss her greatly. Helen is preceded in death by her loving brother and sister-in-law, Peer and Nancy Cody, and Helen's sister, Anna Randi Cody Little. Helen maintained a very close and loving relationship with Peer and Nancy's children, Alan, Eric (Christine) and Alison (David Kreager) and their children. Relatives and friends are invited to a service celebrating Helen's life on Tuesday, July 28th with calling hours from 3PM to 4PM and the service from 4PM to 5PM at the Applebee Funeral Home, Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY. Burial at the Bethlehem Cemetery will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Menands, New York. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at St. Peter's Hospital and the Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Center for their excellent care and support.