Helen A. Riley

Albany-Helen Clemens Riley died Sunday, February 10, 2013 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Helen was born July 3rd, 1913 in Albany's South End to the late Joseph and Agnes (Slokus) Pagarchis with a lifetime smile on her face and was called "Smiling Helen". Helen graduated from St. Ann's Grade School, St. John's High School, and Mildred Elly Business School. Helen worked at various places in her early days, but one she talked about was Paul Anast Candy Store in downtown Albany. Helen met the first love of her life, George Clemens, who he was delivering for Freihoffer Bakery. George drove his cart which was pulled by Jerry. Helen would meet both of them on their rounds and always have an apple for Jerry. Helen's Mom said "George is the one for you" They were married in 1937 at St. Joseph's Church in Albany and spent 29 years together. After Helen lost her George she married her second husband, Bill Riley, who was best friends of George Clemens. Helen and Bill spent 12 wonderful years together. Helen always loved children and they would flock to her. She ran a daycare out of her home for many years. The kids all loved being with "Mrs. Clemens" and latter "Mrs. Riley". She continued being loved by children after retiring from the Day Care Business and had two lifelong special friendships with Janet and Valerie. Helen always loved her dogs and they loved her. They would sit for long hours with her on the couch. They especially loved her when she thought they were not getting enough to eat. Both Arwen and Aragorn are missing their Mom. One thing Helen truly loved was music. She was always singing around the house. Helen would never miss a performance of the Suburban Sounds and was their Number One fan. Helen always loved hearing the Choirs of Our Lady of Angels and St. Pius X Churches. Helen second love would most likely be the horses. She always loved following the results of race tracks and more than likely would pick out the winner. Helen also loved the New York Yankees. Helen loved her weekly swims at the Guilderland YMCA where she was the oldest member and a guest on their Facebook page. The one great gift that Helen possessed was that people always loved being with her. She possessed an ever present infectious smile that she gave everyone she met and was a wonderful listener. Helen was predeceased by her Husbands George C. Clemens and William F. Riley. Brothers: John Pagarchis and Joe Pagarchis, sisters: Veronica Mitchell Kilfoyl and Ann Miller. Children; Elizabeth Davis (Lawrence), George R. Clemens (Barbara) and Michael Clemens. Step-Children Bill Riley (Mary) and Donna Riley. Grandsons: Larry Davis (Jennifer), Geoffrey Davis, George Scott Clemens (Cheryl), Joseph Clemens, Jimmy Davis (Marion) and granddaughter Melissa Ann Clemens. Great Grandchildren: Sydney, Reese, Zachary, Alexander, Dominic, Bryn, Soren, Mitzie and Lev. Helen is also survived by a number of nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and many many good Friends. We wish to thank the wonderful people at St. Peter's Hospital Stoke Care and Hospice for their caring and loving help they gave Helen in her stay with them. We also want to thank the Aides at Interim Healthcare and their care of Helen and a special thanks to Donna who was on a first name basis with all of Helen's Doctors. Funeral services Saturday,February 16, 2013 at 9:30 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to St. Pius X Church, Loudonville at 10:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday, February 15, 2013 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. To leave the family a message on their guest book, obtain a prayer card or directions, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Helen A. Riley

July 3, 1913 - February 10, 2013