Obituary of Helen R. Hart

Just 34 days short of her 100th birthday, Helen Ruth (Graham) Hart died on April 11, 2023. She passed peacefully, with her loving family by her side, in her home of 70 years, in Cortland, NY. She is survived by her children, Edmund (Maryanne) Hart and Beverly (Warren) Mezger, as well as her six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She is predeceased by her husband, Earl Hart; her son, Donald Hart; and her brothers, Edmund and Donald Graham. Helen was born on her grandfather's farm on Starr Road in Cortland on May 15, 1923 to Arthur and Catherine Graham. Their family moved to their own farm on Route 13 when she was nine years old. Their potato fields were located where Walmart currently sits. She loved her home and her family very much and was proud to be a hardworking farmer's daughter through the Great Depression, the women's suffrage movement, the tail end of Prohibition, and WWII. She graduated from Cortland High School in 1942, and in later years proudly served on its Wall of Fame Committee. She married Earl in 1942 at the Memorial Baptist Church, and they resided on Homer Avenue until 1954, when they moved into their forever home. They were married for 66 years, and he passed on their anniversary. Helen cared deeply about the Cortland community and was proud to have been raised, and to then raise her own family, here. She worked at many local businesses, including Cortland Corset, Smith Corona, and the family business, Hart Motor Sales. There she worked alongside her husband as their bookkeeper and office manager. She was a member of the Cortland County Republican Committee and helped staff the polling place in her district for many years. Helen's other community activities included volunteering at the Cortland Historical Society and serving on the board of the Cortland Rural Cemetery on Tompkins Street. As an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, Helen would regularly make and serve sandwiches at monthly luncheons and helped bake pies for the famous UPC Pumpkinfest pumpkin pie booth. She also volunteered at many of the UPC's hospitality events. Helen lived as a beautiful example of faith, love and service. Her hobbies were many, including her beloved cats, golf, bowling, gardening, and many different types of yarn and needlework. She was a member and secretary for her bowling league, and she could hold her own on the golf course well into her 70s. There are countless knitted Christmas stockings out there that she made with love for newborn and newly married family and friends. Every daughter and granddaughter — and a couple of lucky great-granddaughters, as well as loving nieces — received handmade quilts, with her signature tag, that will be cared for and cherished. Helen had countless dear friends and would be there whenever they were in need, having taken in more than a couple of them over the years. When they needed another home, she opened hers.The love and pride she had for her family was deep and passionate. She was the number-one fan and supporter for every child, grandchild and great-grandchild she had, as well as her nieces and nephews. She was and will always be the cornerstone of our clan, and her absence will be felt forever. Calling hours will be 9-10:30 AM Saturday, May 13 at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland. Memorial service 12:30 PM Sunday, May 14 at United Presbyterian Church, 25 Church St. Cortland, Burial will be private in Cortland Rural Cemetery. Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the family with arrangements. To offer condolences online, visit, www.wright-beard.com