Obituary of Helen Koch

NISKAYUNA - Helen Koch, 98, of Niskayuna, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, May 7, 2009. Born in Bayonne, NJ, December 28, 1910, she was the oldest of nine children of the late George and Mary Turon. Helen grew up in Alcove, and later Greenville. As a teenager she worked in Slingerlands and Loudonville as a domestic helper. In 1937 she married George Koch, remaining his faithful wife for 61 years until his death. She was a long-time member of the Watervliet Wesleyan Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also active in the women's missionary society. Helen was a homemaker and a loving, compassionate, and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a passion for reading, doing word games, gardening, and appreciating birds and wildlife. Survivors include her sons Douglas (Judy) of Niskayuna, Richard (Cindy) of Altamont, daughters, Sharon of Niskayuna, Sandra (George) Gottsammer of East Greenbush; grandchildren, Sherri (Douglas) Price, Douglas (Alana), Tonya (Darrin) Duncan, Kristi (Louis) Falace, Dale, Jennie Olson, Shawn, Russell, John (Alicia), Kristina and Nicole; great-grandchildren Megan Price, Zachary Price, Jacob Price, Mary Koch, Alexander Duncan, Ashley Duncan, Michael Falace, Jack Falace, James Falace, Samuel Falace, Haylee Koch; sisters Ruth Birmann, Elsie Turon, and brother John Turon. Services will be held 12 o'clock on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., Schenectady. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Memory's Garden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305.