December 25, 2011       

BLACK RIVER, N.Y.  —  Helen M. MacNay, 85, a loving mother and grandmother, formerly of 122 Howe St., Black River, passed Saturday, Dec. 24, at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where she had been a resident.

Born Dec. 27, 1925, in Watertown, daughter of Albert and Catherine Bezer Valin, she graduated in 1943 from Watertown High School.

She married James B. MacNay, of Watertown on May 9, 1944, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church with Rev. J. A. Sullivan officiating. The couple moved to Utica following World War II when her husband was honorably discharged as a 2nd lieutenant. The couple then settled in Black River in 1955.

Mrs. MacNay was a secretary and treasurer for Yellow Cab, Hart’s Toy House, which was owned and operated by her cousin and for Russell Finch, American Wood Splitters in Black River for 12 years.

She enjoyed gardening, genealogy, she was an avid coin collector, talented seamstress, a Girl Scout cookie chairman for several years.

She was a communicate of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Black River.

Mr. MacNay retired in 1978 from Sherwin William as a manager after 32 years of service. He passed on Jan. 25, 2009.

Among her survivors are a son and his wife, Lynn and Margaret “Peggy” MacNay, Watertown; two daughters and three sons-in -aw, Wendy S. and Timothy Wells, Pillar Point, Linda M. and Brian Heasley, Glens Falls, Gerald Connolly, Brisbane, Australia; a brother and his wife, Vernon and Flo Valin, Kenmore, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A daughter, JoAnn Connolly, and two brothers, James and John Valin, all died before her.

A funeral Mass will be said 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. 

Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bruce Funeral Home. 

Donations may be made to the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 208 LeRay St., Black River, NY 13612.







Information provided by Bruce Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.