With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Helen Jean (Baynard) White, on Tuesday, September 18, 2018. She was predeceased by her son Frederick White in 1996, her grandson Jason Dunn in 2005 and her husband George White in 1956. Helen was born December 31, 1923 to Julia and Anthony Baynard in New Britain, Ct. and later grew up on a farm in Richfield Springs, NY. Helen will be most remembered for her absolute love and devotion to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved so much. She made every child feel so special. Helen will also be remembered for her very determined spirit. When left a young widow with three children, she did not depend on assistance. Instead, she worked three jobs until she accepted a position at Mohawk Airlines in 1957; after training in accounting at a business institute. The money entitled to Helen from the Navy due to injuries George sustained during WWII, was deposited into savings for future college educations for her three children. As one airline merged with another, she eventually moved to Washington, D.C. in 1970 to work as Manager of the Accounts Payable Department for USAir, where she worked until her retirement. Helen was not only a pioneer in the accounting field during a time when women were not widely accepted; she also provided her family with a stable and loving environment; with the help of her Mother. She hardly missed a school, scouting, church or sports event, even though she was a full time working Mom. Helen took advantage of her flying privileges to take her children to places across the United States and later she traveled to numerous countries in Europe, South America and the Middle East. After retirement, she used these passes to visit her children and grandchildren for every important event and traveled into her late 80’s. Helen met adversity with strength, time and time again. She had a strong work ethic, encouraged her children to always do their best, to be honest, do their fair share and to help those in need. Helen also loved to sing and dance, as she was a member of a choral group in Utica, NY during the 1960’s. She also loved attending the Big Band dances almost every weekend in Washington, D.C. with her dear friend Hank Heard, during the 1970-2000. When Helen moved to Endwell she became a member of the Church of the Holy Family and the Endwell Garden Club. Helen is survived by her daughter Toni Dunn and husband Tom, her son Rich White and wife Missy, five grandchildren: Erin Khouri and husband Tony, Kate Sandhoff and husband Neil, Dr. Megan White Zappitelli and husband Nick, Rick Dunn and Daniel White, who has always had a special place in her heart. She also leaves six great grandchildren: Elias, Addison, Tommy, Karsten, Anthony and Dominick, who they lovingly called “Babcia”. A special thank you to the Palliative Nurse Practitioners and to Hospice Care at Lourdes Hospital for their caring support and concern.
Funeral Services will be held Monday 9:30 am from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, followed by a Funeral Mass at Church of the Holy Family at 10 am. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Yorkville, NY, Monday at 2:30 pm. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Sunday from 3-5 pm. Expressions of sympathy in Helen’s memory may be made to the Church of the Holy Family in Endwell, NY and to the Autism Research Institute, San Diego, CA, in support of Helen’s grandson Daniel.