Helen M. Burger, of Mexico, New York, and Lake Panasoffkee, FL, was released from her long suffering on Oct. 22, 2011, by the grace of Jesus Christ to go home to the house that he has presence. Her devoted beloved first husband, Joseph A. Burger, who predeceased her in 1978, will welcome her into the Kingdom of Heaven. Born in Oswego on January 21, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Marie Schadt. She was a graduate of Oswego High School and Rochester Business Institute. Through all her life Helen worked hard and was always dedicated to helping others. At age 14, during the Depression, she made her own way working as a house servant for room and board while she finished high school. After high school she attended Rochester Business Institute and married Joseph Burger. She and Joe worked side by side nights and weekends building and renovating houses while holding full-time factory jobs. They would rent or sell the finished house to get enough money to start another project. In the late 1950s, Helen also ran a rooming house in Rochester, NY. She only charged $7.50 per week. The rent included the room cleaned, bed changed and fresh towels in the shared bathroom. She always gave her roomers fresh baked bread and rolls. Plates of cookies, cake or pie sweetened the deal. She also extended credit if a roomer hit hard times. She never used the vacancy sign as there was always a waiting list to get one of her rooms. Helen gave loving care to her Aunt Schaddagott and Uncle Pedar from the time she was a child until they died in their 90s. She also cared for her dear mother, Marie. With Helen's loving care, her elders never spent a day in a nursing home. Through all her life Helen was always the one who cared for any family member or friend who was sick or in trouble. Helen's greatest joy was cooking and baking for family and friends. When relatives were on salt-free diets, she baked salt-free bread and rolls for them. She baked thousands of Christmas cookies every year to give away to friends, neighbors and relatives in the service. While Joseph fished his secret trout streams, Helen picked wild elderberries to bake pies. Her pie crust was always absolute perfection. Helen made huge trays of cookies for each of her sister's weddings. In her later years she baked thousands of scones for friends and relatives. She perfected many different scone recipes with various spices, nuts, and fruit fillings. She lived in many different houses in New York state and Florida. No matter where Helen was, once she lit the oven to bake her wonderful bread or scones that house became a home filled with Joy, Happiness and Love. She leaves to always cherish her memory her son, John J. Burger; her sisters, Ruth Sciortino, Betty Renski and Alice Barbagello; her brother, John Schadt; her stepchildren, Diane Boylan, and Nancy and Edward Hamlin; several nieces and nephews; and granddog, Bentley. We know when our time comes Helen will be there to lead us into the Kingdom of Heaven. She was preceded in death by her dedicated caregiver and loving devoted second husband, Elwood "Woody" Boyle; her beloved sister, Ann Ensworth; and her beloved brother, George M. Schadt. The family is truly appreciative of the exceptionally competent, compassionate, and loving care the entire staff at Sunrise Nursing Home extended to Helen. Every member of the team was always cheerful and affectionate as they provided for all Helen's needs and well-being. Helen left us at age 89 with wonderful memories to soothe our deep sorrow. A future memorial celebration of her time on earth will be announced. Donations in Helen's memory may be made to the Oswego County Animal Welfare League, PO Box 442, Fulton, NY 13069. BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay, has care of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bagozzitwins.com

Published in Syracuse Post Standard on Oct. 30, 2011.
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