Funeral services for Helen C. Dana, age 90, of Washington Street and formerly of Mansion Avenue in Ogdensburg will be held on Monday (Apr 25, 2011) at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Rev. F. James Shurtleff rector of Notre Dame Church officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Foxwood Memorial Park.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 12:00 noon -1:30 p.m. at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home. Mrs. Dana died April 17, 2011 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center after being stricken at home.
Surviving are two sons, Bruce Dana of Tupper Lake and Morristown, and Timothy Dana of Ogdensburg; Susan Myers and her husband David of Sanford, NC; two grandchildren, Matthew Dana of Tupper Lake, and Jeremy Carpenter and his wife Debbie of Depeyster; three great grandchildren, Dylan, Brooke and Drew Carpenter; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by two sisters, Regina Rapin and Mary Delaney; along with two brothers, Joseph and James Cummiskey.
Helen was born on August 13, 1920 in Ogdensburg, a daughter of the late Frank and Frances (Adams) Cummiskey. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1938 and continued her education at the Miss Effey Lou Wallace Business School. She married David L. Dana on October 20, 1945 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Rev. Arthur M. Leary officiating the couple’s marriage. He predeceased her in 1999.
Helen’s career began with the Federal Government in New York City where she worked as a secretary for a period. She then relocated to Ogdensburg and raised her family. In the early 60’s, Helen returned to the work force and became employed with the US Customs Service where she worked for 28 years as a stenographer for the director of customs.
She was a member Women’s City Club, the Knights of Columbus, Ogdensburg Showtime, Ogdensburg Writers Guild and St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir. She enjoyed her camp on the St. Lawrence River, bike riding, writing poetry, and entertaining grandchildren, listening to music and playing the piano.
Memorial contributions have been requested to St. Mary’s Cathedral Church. Online condolences can also be made online to the family at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
