Helen J. Kruszona

Helen J. Kruszona, 94, of Rotterdam, NY, passed away on Oct. 2, 2025 at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, NY.

She passed peacefully in her sleep with her daughter Valerie and son Mark by her side. Born in Schenectady, NY, she was the daughter of Stanislaw (Stanley) and Janina (Jean) Szalacinska Osinski. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward G. Kruszona whom she married Oct. 15, 1950 in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Schenectady, NY and all 11 of her siblings; brothers Joseph, William, Stanley, Alexander, Edward Osinski and Henry Monroe, sisters; Jean Rathbone, Anna Osinski, Mary Erwetowski, Frances Kurowski and Sophie McDonald. Besides her children, she is survived by several nieces and nephews as well as many close friends and neighbors. 

Helen graduated in the class of 1950 from Mont Pleasant High School. She was employed at The Deb Dress Shop as a sales person (befitting her very fashion conscious style), Carl Company, in downtown Schenectady and at GE Co. Aeronautics & Ordinance before becoming a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Her vivacious and outgoing personality lent itself to many interests.  Her love of music brought her and her husband, Eddie, to join The Allegro Dance Club and became accomplished ballroom dancers. Helen enjoyed attending various concerts from Pavarotti, The Three Tenors, Andrea Bocelli to Frank Sinatra and Santana at SPAC.

Helen enjoyed being an excellent hostess, gourmet cook, baking her famous desserts and hosting holiday parties. She and Eddie entertained many families at their camp at the Great Sacandaga Lake, which she participated in building along with her husband, where they shared their love of sailing, water skiing, performance boating and great food including large clam bakes. She participated at her church (St. Mary's) for many years cooking with the parishioners for the traditional  "40 hours" before Lent serving sometimes as many as 18 priests for 3 nights before they took confessions.

Her hard work ethic was evident with her husband and other families, who were members of Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, NY where she learned to ski at 28 years old joining her husband and children every weekend. Helen enjoyed her bowling league and even took tennis lessons.

Her love of travel led her to attending an America's Cup Race, offshore races, Nascar races, Sailing Regattas, Car shows, Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Bermuda, New England and Florida and Bareboat Sailboat Charters. Being such a good sport she joined her grown children at amusement parks participating in waterslides and roller coasters around the age of 70. Even in her last summer, she enjoyed at  the lake waking up to the shimmering "Diamond Lake" effect of the sun shining on the water out of her picture window. She joined her children in her 94th year at the Lake George Classic Wooden Boat Show and recently the Jazz Festival, celebrated one more time the "Ring of Fire" and fireworks at the Great Sacandaga Lake with family and friends. Helen's vivacious, vibrant, outgoing, feisty, flirtatious personality will be missed by all who crossed her path.

Special thanks to Clytie Somers who helped Valerie and Mark with mom's care, bringing her joy and empathy and advice during a difficult time. Special thanks to the staff at NYOH Clifton Park and the staff at the Infusion Center of Ellis Hospital who provided loving care and made her feel special.  Thanks for her most recent care this summer and fall at Nathan Littauer Hospital--the Phlebotomists at the lab and nurses at the Infusion Center and the Supervisor of the Blood Bank providing loving personalized care went above and beyond to made her feel like their favorite patient.  

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 10, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the DeLegge Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke’s Church at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

In lieu of contributions, please consider donating blood at your local Red Cross Blood Drives.