Helen M. Hand

Albany-Helen M. Hand, 86, died Thursday, November 12, 2015, at the Florida Living Nursing Center in Apopka, FL, with her family at her bedside. Born in Albany, Helen was the daughter of the late Samuel and Catherine (Weller) Martino. She lived in Albany most of her life until moving to Orlando, FL, where she lived with her daughter and her family for the past two years. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Thomas J. Hand, Jr., sister of the late Joseph and the late Thomas Martino, sister-in-law of the late John Hand and the late Christina Senna. She is survived by her brothers, James Martino (Bessie), Paul Martino (Virginia), Samuel Martino, Jr., and sister-in-law, Philomena Biagiotti. Helen was the loving mother of Kathleen O’Brien (Robert), Thomas J. Hand, III (Sheila), Kevin Hand (Patricia), and Theresa Conti (William). She was the devoted grandmother of Amber Conti (Jason) Stephanie Goldup (Daniel), Matthew O’Brien, Casey O’Brien (Sarah), Cullan Hand, and Alyssa Hand. She was the loving great-grandmother of Ethan, Blake, Jakob and Kylie. Helen attended Cathedral Academy, graduating in 1947. She worked at Key Bank in Albany, NY, where she retired in 1991. She had a strong faith and was a long time communicant of St. Teresa of Avila Parish. Helen was a dear aunt to many nieces and nephews, and had many close friends who survive her. Helen enjoyed road trips with her husband Joe, bus trips to the casino, and vacations to Cape Cod. One of her favorite pastimes was crocheting baby blankets. She truly loved her family and friends and enjoyed keeping in touch with them. Affectionately known as Ma, she was always smiling and thought of others before herself. The family would especially like to thank Helen’s physician, Dr. Neha Doshi, the staff at the Florida Living Nursing Center, and Vitas Hospice for their kindness and care. Funeral services Friday, November 20, 2015 at 9:15 am from McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany at 10:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont, NY. Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with Helen’s family Thursday, November 19, 2015 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Sister Maureen Joyce Center, 369 Livingston Avenue, Albany, NY 12206. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions, light a candle or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Helen M. Hand

May 25, 1929 - November 12, 2015