Helen M. Lettko

On March 26, 2022, Helen M. Lettko (O’Connell) 98, entered into eternal rest. Helen was born in Watervliet, NY to William and Elizabeth Walsh O’Connell. Helen was always a proud Watervlietin. She graduated from St. Patrick’s School, Catholic Central High School, St. Rose, Class of 1945, and received her master’s degree from what is now SUNY at Albany.

Helen loved teaching Junior High students English and Social Studies, including the history of Watervliet. She married her beloved husband, George S. Lettko, in 1956, and they were both active in the Pro-Life Movement and in Scouting.

When she married, Helen crossed the river and spent the next 50 years in Troy, NY and was very active in Catholic Church activities at Our Lady of Victory Church, and St. Paul’s Church where she was ever present for Adoration. After her husband died, Helen returned to her beloved Watervliet, living in the same flat she was brought up in. Helen was the proud mother of five children: John (Carol) Lettko of Point Richmond, CA; Mary (Peter) Hines of Latham, Jim (Karen) Lettko of Loudonville, Jerry (Mary K) Lettko of Poestenkill, and Kevin (Linda) Lettko of Averill Park, and eleven grandchildren: Kate (Bartosz) Rozga,  Michael Lettko, Krista (Clay) Ripma, Brian Hines, Kelsey Lettko, Laura Hines, Joe, Meagan, Ann, Justin and Matthew Lettko, great granddaughter, Beatrice Rozga. Helen is survived by her sister-in-law, Sharon O’Connell, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen is predeceased by her sisters, Elizabeth O’Connell Wilson, Mary O’Connell Holton, her brother James J. O’Connell.

Special thanks are extended to the dedicated team of caregivers at Eddy Village Green in Cohoes, for the loving and compassionate care given to Helen.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2416 7^th Avenue, Watervliet, NY on April 2, 2022 from 9:00 to 10:50 AM. Immediately followed by Helen’s funeral Mass, celebrated by Father Don Rutherford, at 11 AM. The Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Watervliet.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s name to Community Maternity Services, 27 N Main Ave, Albany, NY 12203, would be greatly appreciated.