Obituary of Helen Hawver

Helen Hawver, 98, of Cortland, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026. She was born on February 27, 1928, the daughter of the late Albert and Lottie Horton Dellow. Helen was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth and vibrant spirit touched countless lives. She lived in Moravia for over 70 years before moving to Cortland. Throughout her life, Helen was deeply involved in her community. She was active with the Moravia Fire Department for over 80 years and was a founding member of the Moravia Fire Department Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Moravia VFW, the Four Town Ambulance Squad, and the Order of the Eastern Star. For many years, Helen served as a trip coordinator for the Cortland County Senior Citizens group, helping many enjoy travel and companionship. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Helen was an avid traveler with a true zest for life and fashion. She believed that one should always dress up to travel and carried that elegance wherever she went. Her adventurous spirit led her to visit six of the seven continents. She also enjoyed playing cards, dancing, singing, and spending time with family and friends. A woman of strong faith, Helen was a longtime communicant of the First Baptist Church of Moravia before later becoming a member of Church of the Redeemer in Cortland. Helen will be remembered for her kindness, energy, sense of adventure, and unwavering love for those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Helen is survived by her children Kay (David) Breed and Paul (Kathy) Hawver, her brother Donald (Judith) Dellow, her grandchildren Jeffrey Breed, Michael (Charlene) Breed, Carrie (Welter) Almeida, Christy (James) Bassford Sr., Kathy Lynn Chiavacci, her great grandchildren Chelsea Breed (Jeremi Adams), Emmabella Chiavacci, Joseph, Jacob, Jasmine Bassford, her close friend and cousin Dorothy McAllaster, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Wilbert Hawver, her brother Robert Dellow, and her great grandsons Matthew Daniel Breed and James Bassford Jr. Calling hours will be held on Friday May 29, 2026 from 10-11am at the Church of the Redeemer, 125 Tompkins St., Cortland, NY. A funeral service will follow at 11am. Burial will follow at the Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, NY.