Helen M. MacNay

Helen M. MacNay,85, a loving mother and grandmother, formerly of 122 Howe St., Black River, passed December 24, 2011 at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where she had been a resident.

Born on December 27, 1925 in Watertown, daughter of Albert and Catherine Bezer Valin, she graduated from Watertown High School in June of 1943.

She married James B. MacNay, of Watertown on May 9, 1944 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. J. A. Sullivan officiating. The couple moved to Utica following WW II when her husband was honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant. The couple then settled in Black River in 1955.

Mrs. MacNay was a secretary and treasurer for Yellow Cab, Hart’s Toy House, which was owned and operated by her cousin and for Russell Finch, American Wood Splitters in Black River for 12 years.

She enjoyed gardening, genealogy, she was an avid coin collector, talented seamstress, a Girl Scout cookie chairman for several years and communicate of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Black River.

Mr. MacNay retired in 1978 from Sherwin William as a manager after 32 years of service. He passed on January 25, 2009.

Among her survivors are a son and daughter in law, Lynn and Margaret “Peggy” MacNay, Watertown; two daughters and three sons in law, Wendy S. and Timothy Wells, Pillar Point, Linda M. and Brian Heasley, Glens Falls, Gerald Connolly, Brisbane, Australia; a brother and sister in law, Vernon and Flo Valin, Kenmore, NY, 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A daughter, JoAnn Connolly, and two brothers, James and John Valin all died before her.

Donations may be made to the St. Paul’s Catholic Church 208 LeRay St., Black River, NY 13612.