Helen B. Wilkins

Helen Beardsley Wilkins of 712 Pats Place, Ithaca, passed away at her residence on Friday, November 9, 2007 at the age of 79.

Born on September 6, 1928 in Ithaca, Helen was the daughter of Harold and Josephine Simmons Beardsley. She received her Associates degree, with high honors, from TC3 and worked in the Cornell libraries for 32 years before her retirement in 1992.

Helen's membership in the Immaculate Conception Church family was an important part of her life. She was a Mercy Associate for the church and developed many close relationships over the years. Her kindheartedness was shared as a volunteer at Cayuga Medical Center and as a Driving Safety Course Instructor for AARP. Helen was also a voracious reader who capitalized on any free moment to delve into the next chapter.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Dorothy Sowards, Marie Pardon and Beverly Hastings and 1 brother, Harold Beardsley, Jr. She is survived by 4 sons, Kenneth (Maxine) of Olyphant, PA, Arnold of Rochester, NY, John (Wendy) of Rochester, MN and Robert (Noreen) of Orlando, FL; 9 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Alice Hendrix of Trumansburg, NY and Georgia (Richard) Chesley of Interlaken, NY; 2 brothers, Glenn (Jennifer) Beardsley of Trumansburg, NY and Earl Beardsley of Reno, NV and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, November 15, 2007 from 6-8 pm at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.

A Prayer Service will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, November 16, 2007, at the funeral home, with Fr. Leo Reinhardt officiating.

Those who wish to make a contribution in Helen's memory are asked to kindly consider the American Cancer Society, 31 Adams Ave., Endicott, NY 13760 or a charity of the donor's preference.