Obituary of Helen S. Rega

COHOES, NY. – Helen S. Rega, 98, of Cohoes, formerly of North Greenbush, passed away on April 14, 2024, at Eddy Village Green in Cohoes, NY.

Helen was born on April 4, 1926 in Troy, NY the daughter of the late Mildred and Jacob Szumowski.

She was predeceased in death by her husband, Edward Rega, her son, James, and daughter, Anne.  She was also predeceased by her sister, Sister June Szumowski, RSM.

She is survived by her son Daniel (Patricia) of Sugar Land, Texas; daughter Mary Jo Norman (Craig) of Voorheesville; and son Michael (Ann) of Scituate, Mass.  Also survived by granddaughters Meghan Rega, Lydia Norman (Wilson), Lara Norman, Jessica Rega, and grandsons Peter (Kyra), Matthew (Shannon) and 1st Lt Jack Rega, USMC; as well as great-grandchildren Isaac and Ava Rega, and Theodore and Aurelia Hung.

Helen was a 1944 graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy.  After marrying her husband, Edward, in 1947, they settled in North Greenbush.  Helen was an active member of St. Michael the Archangel Church, North Greenbush where she made many lifelong friends and was one of the founding members of the Bereavement Committee.  

Helen had an excellent sense of humor which endeared her to those around her throughout her life.  She was always just a phone call away and her candy dish was never empty for her friends and loved ones. 

Helen was a devoted mother and grandmother and most recently, a great grandmother.  She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, supporting them in all their endeavors. Crafting, baking gingerbread houses, and dying Easter eggs were some of Helen’s specialties. 

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Eddy Village Green, House 6, for the wonderful care and companionship they provided Helen throughout the last five years of her life.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 19, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, Troy followed by a Mass at 11:30am. Burial immediately following the mass, in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Helen’s honor to St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy, NY 12180 or to Eddy Village Green, House 6 Fund, 421 Columbia Street, Cohoes NY 12047.