Helen R. Masley, age 98, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on October 16, 2021. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Myron Masley, her son, John M. Masley, her grandson, Franklin M. Masley; great-granddaughters, Naomi and Lily; and her siblings, Sophie Strawniak, Olga Kykta, and Eugene Loboyko.
She was born in Chicago and attended St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church where she was a member of the Sodality of Mary and an all-girls choir, and helped as a secretary in the church office. She attended Columbus Public Grade School and Tuley High School where she graduated 2 years early at the age of 16. She worked as a legal secretary in Chicago before she met her husband of 55 years. After marriage, she moved to Auburn NY.
She was loving mother and a smart multi-talented person. She could create something from almost anything, make Ukrainian Easter eggs, teach science to her kids with her microscope and bug and rock collections, sew an outfit, cook, bake, crotchet, embroider, refinish furniture, and redecorate and remodel a house all while raising 5 children.
She was the Director of the Ukrainian Museum in Auburn NY for several years. She held numerous Ukrainian displays in Auburn and in Utica. She had a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and for several years was President of the Sacred Heart Society of Ss Peter and Paul Church where she was a communicant. They raised money through bread sales for the church school. She received a degree in Library science from Auburn Community College. She held a book fair and raised donations of books for the new library at Ss. Peter and Paul School.
She is survived by her children: Peter (Irene) Masley, Maryanne (George) Masley-Hannett, Kathleen (Kevin) Skerrett, Tim (Lynn) Masley, and daughter-in-law Betty Masley; grandchildren: Arlene (Dave) Nowicki, Karen (Justus) Joseph, Joseph (Crystal) Masley, Matthew Masley, Jennifer (Glenn Tegeder) Skerrett, Rebecca (Nicholas) Courtney, Christopher Masley Hannett, Michael Masley Hannett; great-grandchildren Hana and Brandon Nowicki, Devin, Serena and Justus Jr. Joseph, and Clara and Caroline Masley; sister, Mary Theresa Papinko.
Friends and family may call Friday, October 22, from 6-8 PM at the Dreier-Giltner Funeral Home, 1717 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY. On Saturday, October 23, all are invited to her Funeral Mass at 10 AM at Peace of Christ Parish at St Ambrose, 25 Empire Blvd. Rochester, NY. COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY. Interment immediately after at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 6020 Lake Ave., Auburn, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ambrose Academy, 31 Empire Blvd. Rochester, NY 14609; or Ss Peter and Paul Parish, 136 Washington St., Auburn, NY 13021, in her memory.