In loving memory of

Jacquelyn Helmer
November 29, 1948 - February 5, 2020

It was a Monday in November of 1948 when Jacquelyn Jane Helmer was born to William and Betty Elliott. Specifically, 11/29/1948, in Margaretville, NY, where she would ignite her spark for life.

She would share a tune during her times with both The Mid-Hudson Women's Chorus, and the Sea Shanty Singers. Just ask Barbara Wild, her voice coach, about her love of music. Or ask her husband, John. They met when she picked up his guitar, and started to sing.

She would go on to fall in love with John Benjamin Helmer, and his own love of music. On a Wednesday in August, (8/13/1980) they would be married.

Earlier, graduating from both Margaretville HS and Ulster County Community College was just the beginning for Jacque. She would set off on a life long voyage of learning. Whether she was on the deck of the Half Moon, where she sailed as crew, learning the chords of the piano with Lonnie Kulick, or the languages of the French and Germans, she was always learning. Only this year, she had been planning a trip back to Quebec, where she could speak with the locals, both learning about strangers (one of her great passions), and improving her technique.

Jacquelyn would not just learn for herself. She was passionate about sharing with others. For many years, she was a Creative Memories Consultant, inviting people into her home to help them preserve and document their photos. As her sons grew, she became a Cub Scout Den Mother in Port Ewen's Troop 26.

As much in love with the earth as the people in it, Jacque had a love for all of God's living things. If you asked The Red Hook Garden Club, The Reformed Church of Port Ewen, or just her neighbors, they could attest to her green thumb. She loved plants, and already had new seedlings growing for the coming season.

We write to inform you not only that Jacquelyn Jane Helmer, of Kingston, NY, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020, but that for 71 wonderful years, she lived. Her family is not only in mourning, but also in celebration, because for so many years, when she entered the room, it was no longer empty.

When she entered the room, it was full.

She is survived by her husband, John Helmer, and her son Daniel Helmer, both of Esopus, as well as her son, Benjamin Helmer of Queens. Her surviving family includes her mother, Betty Elliott of New Kingston, her siblings (& spouses), Marjorie (Bill) Trelease of Delhi, Sally (Roy) Scrimshaw of Delhi, Mary (Lowell) McCormick of Ponchatoula LA, James (Andrea) Elliott of New Kingston, Lynn Elliott of Bovina, former exchange student and honorary family member Simon Bauer of Germany, and several nieces and nephews.

Join us at Keyser Funeral Home, (216 Broadway, Port Ewen, NY 12466) on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm, and share with us what she meant to you. Thursday morning, the funeral procession will form at 9:45am & proceed to the Reformed Church of Port Ewen (160 Salem St, Port Ewen, NY 12466), for the 11am funeral service. Burial will follow in St. Remy Cemetery, St. Remy, NY, near their home.

For those who wish, contributions in Jacquelyn's memory may be made to the Port Ewen Reformed Church, PO Box 580, Port Ewen, NY 12466 or The Red Hook Garden Club, 126 Old Post Road North, Upper Red Hook, NY, 12571. A tribute for Jacquelyn can be found at: KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories & expressions of sympathy for her family.

Tributes

Peg & Fred Rhoda wrote on Mar 1, 2020:

"Jacque was the first neighbor who greeted us when we moved from Queens to Kingston/Esopus. She brought us a casserole & of course beautiful flowers. We attended the same church, where she kept the garden in gorgeous condition. She called herself & her garden helpers the FROG Society, which means Fully Rely On God. That was her gift. We were great friends thru the years. She will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace in the garden of our Lord. Peg & Fred Rhoda"

Joe Schaefer wrote on Feb 12, 2020:

"John, my deep and sincere sorrow to learn of your loss. Hope you here from the Dietsch's. Look forward to seeing you, this Fall maybe? Your classmate, Joe Schaefer"

Roger Laur wrote on Feb 12, 2020:

"Pending a visit to Jacque and John, I instead found myself in a Poughkeepsie hospital with what turned out to be a minor issue. John and Jacque traveled south to bail my belongings out of the motel, return the car I'd rented, and stay with me while I was treated at the hospital. Then, they brought me back to their home for a weekend of R&R. I'll never forget that experience. What a nice lady, married to a nice guy !! Roger Laur"

Deborah Barry wrote on Feb 11, 2020:

"Jacque you will be forever in my heart. You have always been there for me and treated me like family.. you helped me restore my faith. The list goes on and on. I so looked forward to the hiking and gardening we spoke of doing this spring. Until we meet again, I am grateful for the many wonderful memories I have on you. To the Family of Jacque, there simply are no words that would adequately express my condolences to all of you. "

Cindy Delavan wrote on Feb 11, 2020:

"To my dear friend Jacque; May you rest in the arms of the Lord and be at peace in the beautiful gardens of Heaven. You will be forever missed. "

Sue wrote on Feb 11, 2020:

"Jacque?s good cheer and green thumb helped spruce up the courtyard at The Thompson House. She even looked up the history of an old bell that sits in the courtyard? something many wondered about. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was very much appreciated!"

Marge Pinchbeck wrote on Feb 10, 2020:

"Jacque had a very warm personality, lovely smile and she was always willing to help, must recently she became our garden club Recording Secretary. I have a special memory of Jacque.....she shared with me a recipe of her delicious Apple-Berry Crumble that she made when she was a hostess for our garden club in 2014. My thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Laura Petit wrote on Feb 10, 2020:

"Jackie was an amazing woman. From scouts, to scrap books to gardening at church, she always had a smile and a positive word. I'm glad I knew you! My thought and prayer are with the Helmer family."

Scott Berwick wrote on Feb 9, 2020:

""The world is always turning toward the morning" will always remind me of Jacquie whenever I sing it or hear it. Our hearts go out to John and her family. Scott and Tracy Berwick"

Molly & Peter wrote on Feb 9, 2020:

"Jackie was such a sweet person. I'll always remember the nice times visiting with her and her beautiful flowers!! She will be missed. Rest in peace."

Beth Pascarella wrote on Feb 9, 2020:

"Jacque was a very sweet person and a valued member of the Old Dutch Village Garden Club in Red Hook. We will surely miss her friendly smile. Beth Pascarella "

Patricia Owens wrote on Feb 8, 2020:

"Jacquie was a member of our Garden Club in Red Hook. She was a lovely woman, always happy, willing to help and so friendly. We will miss her greatly. May The good Lord comfort you in the days ahead. Pat Owens "