NORWICH – Helen F. Avolio, 93, former South New Berlin resident and most recently of Norwich, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 13, 2006, in the Gilmour Health Care Facility, where she had made her home for the last five years.
Born in New York City on Dec. 9, 1912, Helen was the daughter of George and Ada (Bloodgood) Schaediger. Growing up in West Paterson, N.J., she attended the local schools and, on June 21, 1931, she married James Avolio. Helen was dedicated to her family, and did a lot of volunteer work during her years in New Jersey. She was proud of the fact that, as an active volunteer of the Red Cross in Wayne, N.J., she drove the station wagon to the hospital as needed. In 1973, the Avolio family relocated from New Jersey to South New Berlin, where they lived until they moved to Norwich in 1976. Helen and Jim had lived in both the Peacock Park Manor Apartments and the Golden Age Apartments while in Norwich.
Helen is survived by her twin son and daughter, James Avolio and wife Mavis of South New Berlin, and Joan Sorgi and husband Frank of Pompton Lakes, N.J.; by 14 grandchildren, and by 43 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, James, on June 17, 1987; and by her daughter, Helen Pasko; her sister, Grace Vogel; and brother, William Schaediger.
Funeral services for Helen will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Douglas Cunningham, pastor of the Church of the Holy Apostles, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Saturday from 5-7 p.m.
Helen’s family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to the Church of the Holy Apostle, St. Paul’s, 8 Silver St., Norwich, NY 13815.