ALBANY – Helene Hans, 89, died Sunday, August 14, 2011 at home surrounded by her loving family. Helene was born and raised in Albany and lived in the same house all of her life. She was the daughter of James and Catherine Crowley. Helene graduated from Vincentian Institute and received her BA from St. Lawrence Univ. and her Masters Degree in Library Science from SUNY at Albany. She taught English and was the Librarian at Roxbury Central School and was later employed by the NYS Dept of Tax and Finance.
Helene was pre deceased by her brother James and her sister Veronica. Helene was the wife of 54 years to the late William C. Hans. She is survived by her children, William A Hans of Albany, Kathleen (Stan) Katz of Saratoga Springs, Michael (Brenda) Hans of Farmington, CT, Therese (Eric) Louis of N. Chelmsford, MA and Patricia (Jack) Murdock of Stephentown. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Molly and Lilly Hans, Michael, Katherine and Emily Louis, Matthew, Brendan, Conor, and Helene Hans, and Margaret, Erin, Anna , and William Murdock.
Helene enjoyed the company of her dear friends, hosting many Monday afternoon bridge games, but truly loved being with her loving family.
The family wishes to express a very special thanks for all the wonderful care provided by the Hospice staff, especially Becky and Tess. and to Deb and Rose.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Wednesday morning at 8:30, and 9:30 in All Saints Church, 1168 Western Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, NY. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make memorial contributions to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Albany, NY 12211
To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Gary and Deb Jakaitis
Please accept our sympathy at this time. We remember with fondness BIll and Helene, our next door neighbors from many years ago.
Claire Card
Dear Hans Family,
My sister Margy, my brother Richard and I have many wonderful memories of visiting your house with the Munningers. Lots of long afternoons in your back yard. Crowley, Peg and Dink were the quintessential Albany hostesses! We loved your mother’s congo bars…..as whole they were the fab 3!
We lost our father Dick Card on July 22. I know that when you have lost both parents it is like your boat has been untied from the dock.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Yours, Claire Card, Margy Card DelValle, and Richard Card
John L. Scherer
I was sorry to see Helene’s obituary in the paper this evening, but it did bring back some fond memories.
My Mother, Madelyn Benway, lived down the street from Helene at 16 Lenox Ave. She called Helene “Leenie.” My father, John H. Scherer, lived on the other side of town at 26 Van Schoick Ave. He was a friend of Bill’s. Bill and Leenie brought my parents together on a blind date. My parents recounted this story to me on a number of occassions. The rest is history. Without Leenie and Bill, I probably would not be here today!! When I was young I remember visiting Bill and Leenie and remember the house a top the big hill. I also remember Bill and Kathleen their two oldest children.
Serindipitously, my Mother’s sister, Pauline, now lives at 16 Lenox. We took her out to dinner on Sunday, August 14, for her Birthday, and as we passed the Hans residence up the road, I inquired about Leenie. My wife, remembering this, saw the obituary in today’s paper.
How time flies! May your own happy memories comfort you at this time.
John and Martha Scherer