Helen S. Abel

Boonville- Helen (Schleicher) Abel, 91, a longtime resident of Erwin St., widow of Albert D., passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, where she had resided since June 2014. She was born on August 14, 1925, in Cold Brook, a daughter of Leon and Mildred Weaver Schleicher. She spent her younger years in Vernon Center, graduating from Vernon High School. On August 4, 1945, Helen was united in marriage with Albert D. Abel at the Davis Homestead at Barrett's Corners in the Town of Leyden. Mr. Abel, a WWII Veteran and retired Central Steel Erecting Co. iron worker, died on March 2, 1988. Helen was first employed at Griffiss Air Base, Rome; before her employment in Boonville as a cashier and stock person at the Park Market, a waitress and dish washer at Slims Restaurant, and for a time at Becker's, and then at Whelly's Four Seasons Restaurant. For several years until her retirement, Helen was employed as a telephone operator for General Telephone Co., Boonville. Mrs. Abel was an over 50 year and current member of Charles J. Love Post American Legion of Boonville, where for many years she volunteered to cook for banquets and steak dinners that were put on by the auxiliary. For many years Mrs. Abel served on the local Election Board. Mrs. Abel was a Charter Member of over 50 years with the Boonville Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She was a very faithful to the interests of the Boonville Fire Company; for many years she participated in the Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary. Helen prepared many a meal or pot of hot coffee for the firemen following a fire call. Helen was an avid fan of Fritz's Polka Band and a member of the Fritz's Polka Bank Fan Club. She always enjoyed traveling to see and hear the band perform, on occasion in the state of Ohio. She also enjoyed playing cards at the senior citizen meetings and Friday night dinners with her siblings. Helen is survived by two daughters and a son in law, Marlene and David Pritchard, Boonville, Patti Storm, Vancouver, WA, one son and daughter in law, Frank and Nancy Abel, Boonville; eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; siblings, Gordon (Joyce) Schleicher, Boonville, Verle (Wynola) Yelton, Talcottville; Beverly Wheelock, Bernie Yelton and Shirley (Stewart) Dunn, all of Boonville, a son-in-law, Gregory Dirda, several nieces and nephews, and a special cousin, Mindy Maciejko. She was predeceased by a daughter, Dora Jean Dirda, on December 28, 2008, a great granddaughter, Gabriele Williams, and siblings, a brother, Bobby, who died as an infant, Mabel Young, and Paul Yelton. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 31, at 7:00 pm at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St., Boonville. Interment later this spring will be held in Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until the time of the service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Boonville Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box #164, Boonville, NY 13309.