Helen Gotham Henri, 91, of Syracuse, N.Y., died on April 27, 2020 in her home with family at her side.
She was born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1928 in Edwards to Harold Fred and Bernice Miller Gotham.
She graduated from Knox Memorial HS (1945) and Watertown School of Commerce (1947), then worked at Bagley & Sewell.
Prior to Claude being shipped to Korea, Helen married J.R. Claude Henri of Star Lake on January 3, 1951.
Helen supported Claude with his Clarkson University education and his career by moving and establishing numerous homes: Potsdam, Akron, Port Clinton, Elnora, Liverpool, Clifton Park, Springfield, and Syracuse.
Their love of travel brought them to Europe and 48 out of 50 states. One memorable vacation was their five-week Alaskan trip, pulling their “Camper Trailer” across the Alcan Highway in Canada to Alaska, back through northern America visiting Yellowstone and other National Parks.
Helen and Claude loved to dance, especially western square dance. Helen’s huge heart was demonstrated as primary caregiver for Claude, who had Alzheimer’s. Most importantly, Helen loved being a Mother, Sister, Aunt, and caring Grandmother, who lovingly cared for her grandkids and attended their many activities.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, J.R. Claude Henri; two sons, Robert C. (Mary), and Steven G. Henri; her parents, Harold Sr. & Bernice Gotham; her sisters, Madeline Hatch, and Mary Gotham; her brothers, Harold Jr, Winston (Sandra), and Gilbert Gotham; her in-laws, Carlton Force, Dennis Hull, Jeanine (Stephen) Diekhaus, Carmen (Joe) Morin, Ubald “Joe” (Mary) Henrie, Charles (Rogene) Henri and Clayton Boula.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Michele Henri (James) Gagne of Syracuse; four grandchildren, Renee Elizabeth Henri (Carl Starks), Steven Robert Henri, Cody James Henri Faulkner, and Lucas “Luke” Taylor Henri Faulkner; sisters, Rosalie Gotham Force, and Mayfred Gotham Hull; brothers, Howard (Kate) and Richard (Janet) Gotham; daughter-in-law, Christine Henri; brother-in-law, Allan (Bonnie) Henri; sisters-in-law, Janet Gotham, and Deanna Henri Boula; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Helen requested no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to CNY Hospice; St Francis Social Adult Day Services (Sisters of St. Francis); or American Heart Association.
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