Helen Chizick McHale left this world on Friday, December 6th, 2024, to embark on her next great adventure. Yes, we said adventure—because if you knew Helen, you knew she was always chasing her next horizon, learning something new, or plotting her next journey to somewhere remarkable.
Helen was a force of nature in the most magical way. She never met a stranger, only friends she hadn’t spoken to yet. Whether through her warm smile, a kind word, or a pep talk that felt like sunshine on a cloudy day, Helen had a unique gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and truly special.
Born on January 24th, 1945, Helen spent her life lighting up the world around her. From her career as Postmaster in Croghan, NY, to owning and operating a bed and breakfast in Port Leyden, NY, to managing several rental properties where she treated her tenants with unparalleled kindness or being a volunteer EMT in Port Leyden for over 25 years. Helen wore many hats—all with grace and enthusiasm.
After moving to Chesapeake, Virginia, Helen continued to fill her days with purpose and joy. She volunteered at Sentara Leigh Hospital, actively participated at St. Stephen, and wove herself into the daily lives of her children and grandchildren. Her energy and enthusiasm were her superpowers.
Helen had a passion for “rescuing” counted cross-stitch pieces from local thrift stores, believing that if people understood the time and care put into each piece, they’d think twice before discarding them. She valued effort, artistry, and the stories behind each stitch.
When Helen wasn’t inspiring those around her, she was off exploring—whether that meant baking her famous shortbread, or planning trips that spanned from the next town over to the farthest reaches of the globe. At home you would find her reading all kinds of books including her love of history, politics, poetry, art, psychic abilities, and civil war books focusing on General Robert E. Lee.
Helen is survived by her daughter Joanna (Richard) Hudak and her son Brian (Beth) McHale and grandchildren: Katherine (Adrian), Lauren, Emily, Caiden, Andrew and Connor, who will carry her stories, spirit, sense of style, and sparkle forward. Helen’s parents James Chizick and Helen Donitzen had 5 children James (Joyce) Chizick, Charlotte (Robert) Mayfield, Barbara (Paul) Mirabito, Christine (Gary) Vollman and Cynthia (Thomas) Wiedrick. She is reunited now with her husband James McHale, brother James Chizick and sister Charlotte Mayfield, and many other family and friends, no doubt dazzling them with her tales, political ideas, and thoughts on alien life.
In honor of Helen’s incredible life, the family will be celebrating her life achievements, her family invites you to join them in celebrating her on Saturday July 26th, 2025 @ 10:00AM at St. Martin’s catholic church in Port Leyden, NY., luncheon post burial in church hall. In true Helen fashion, come as you are—but bring a story, a laugh, and maybe a toast to a woman who taught us all how to truly live.
Instead of flowers, Helen would encourage you to spread kindness or donate in her memory to the Port Leyden Community Library 3145 Canal Street Port Leyden, NY 13433. Helen’s arrangements in this area are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, NY. For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com
Helen Chizick McHale: The world was brighter with her in it, and her legacy of joy, curiosity, and love will continue to shine in our hearts forever.
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