Helen Burns

DELMAR - Helen Burns passed away unexpectedly at home on March 30th. She was predeceased by husband Robert Burns 16 months earlier. Helen is survived by her beloved children from an earlier marriage to Laszlo Nemeth (also deceased); son, Chris Nemeth (Adrienne Bonilla) of Albany, daughter, Kimberly (Tom) Crawshaw, two treasured grandsons, Dylan and Liam Crawshaw of Geneva, Illinois; three sisters in Orange county: Gertrude Curtis, Janet McCauley, Mona Juras, several nieces and nephews, several dear friends, and many "adopted" sons, daughters, and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Gordon Meade. Helen's last job was as an administrative assistant in an office of people she much cared about, the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services in Albany. She was well known as a fan of movie matinees at the Spectrum Theatre and a lover of all music, from Leonard Cohen to Adele. Helen had an attitude that was so positive, just being in a room with her made people happy. She had the gift of being able to connect with people of all generations and walks of life. Her spirit of optimism, generosity, and enthusiasm for life were inspirational. She had an outgoing spirit which compelled people to feel a connection with her at the deepest level, none more so than her beloved grandsons Dylan and Liam. Helen leaves a warm and loving mark on each of our hearts. There will be a memorial service and celebration of her life at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar on Saturday, April 21st. A calling hour will be held from 12 to 1 pm with a service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Albany, 139 South Lake Avenue, Albany, NY 12208 or http://www.rmhcofalbany.org/lend-a-hand/donate.cfm.