Obituary of Helen M. Gregory

Helen M, Gregory,95 of East Greenbush and formerly of New York City and Bradenton, FL, entered eternal rest and joined her beloved husband, Stephen on March 18, 2018 at Evergreen Commons. She was born in Blissville, NY, daughter of Walter and Anna Rodak Stawkowski. She attended PS 80 and Bryant High School. On June 16, 1940, she married her best friend and the love of her life, Stephen M. Gregory. They spent 74 years together as husband and wife in a story-book romance as if they were newlyweds until Dad's passing in 2014. Mom was always Dad's "Sweetheart" or his "Bride" and Mom was always the heart and soul of the family. Although Mom lost her Mother at two years of age she became the Matriarch of the family. She was always there for everyone, her children and their families, her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors! Our home was everyone's home and safe-haven! Mom overcame brain surgery in 1947 that left her with some facial paralysis but she never let that deter her from being present to anyone who needed her help. It was always her inner beauty that touched everyone! Mom's faith was the root of her being. She was always active in the life of her parish. For years she washed and ironed the altar linens for her parish of St. Raphael in Blissville. She was also a member of the Altar-Rosary of St. Raphael's, the John Eugene Wallace Post 1630 American Legion, Mothers of Priests and an honorary member of the Pulaski Association, Fire Department, City of New York. She is survived by her sons, Stephen M. Gregory (Lorraine) retired Deputy Commissioner Fire Communications, City of New York, the Rev. Kenneth W. Gregory, retired Chaplain, Albany Medical Center Hospital and Priest Minister at Our Lady of the Snow, Grafton, and Joseph W. (Jenann), Deputy Chief, Albany Fire Department; three grandsons, five great-grandchildren, her brother Eugene, many nieces and nephews and a host of beloved friends. Mom will always be remembered for her warmth, her openness to everyone and her deep and abiding faith. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Josephine Lucas, Florence Salata, Catherine Faherty, Walter J. Stawkowski, Stanley Stawkowski and Theresa Distefano. The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the entire staff of Evergreen Commons for their care and compassion. Friends and relatives are invited to cali at the Rockefeller Funeral Home, *165 Columbia Turnpike on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 4 until 7 PM. A liturgy of Christian Death and burial will be concelebrated Friday, March 23, 2018 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church in Clinton Heights with her son Ken as celebrant. Burial in the family plot will follow immediately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, SmileTrain or Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society .