Obituary of Helen M. Cioffi

Niskayuna-Helen M. Cioffi, born in Troy, New York, the daughter of the late Ethel Cipperly Morse Hart and Leo Morse, Helen was the wife of the late Dr. Lawrence A. Cioffi. Helen died on February 17, 2010, at Ellis Hospital, following a brief bout with Pneumonia. She was predeceased by her husband and her grandson, Eric Clark Cioffi. An avid sportswoman, Helen grew up as a tomboy, and enjoyed swimming, tennis and skiing as family activities. In her retirement community she played on a championship Wii bowling team. She fully supported the interests of her offspring, co-founding the Niskayuna High School Boosters Club in 1968, to create a girls' ski team when there was none. She was active in many community organizations, including the Schenectady Boys Club, The Schenectady County Medical Auxiliary, and the Mohawk Golf Club. Helen attended many cross-country races, swim meets, ski races, track meets, soccer games, concerts and dance recitals for her children and her grandchildren, and celebrated victories and defeats with each of them. Helen loved the peace and family activities at her camp at Sacandaga. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Cristine Cioffi (John Sharkey), Sara Sharkey Male (Benjamin Male), Patrick Sharkey; Lawrence Cioffi (Jan Clark Cioffi), Nicholas Cioffi, Lindsay Cioffi, Kelsey Cioffi; Toni Cioffi, Avrie Cowles, Marley Cowles. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial service in celebration of Helen's life on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 2 PM at the Mohawk Golf Club with a reception to follow the service. There will be no calling hours. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Helen's memory to the Schenectady Day Nursery, Ellis Hospital Foundation or Community Hospice of Schenectady.