Obituary of Helena L. Smolik
EPHRATAH - Helena L. Smolik, age 92, of Ephratah, New York passed away Saturday January 13th at Wells Nursing Home in Johnstown, New York surrounded by love with her daughter at her side. She was born September 4th, 1925 on the family farm in Ephratah to John Y. Edwards and Loretta Johnson Edwards. She was the 9th generation of her mother’s family on that land. She started school in the one room schoolhouse on Bolster Hill Road, continued in St. Johnsville and graduated from Johnstown High School. On July 22nd, 1950 she married Stephen D. Smolik, her partner in love and life, and they lived in Gloversville and Oneonta before returning full time to the farm in Ephratah. Even when they lived away, Helena was at the farm more than not, caring for her parents and grandmother. She was a homemaker most of her life which understates the complexity and importance of her role running the household and managing the dairy farm. She was a wonderful cook and well known for her cakes and apple and elderberry pies. Wherever they were, their home was filled with friends and family and more than enough food for any occasion. They enjoyed trips to Florida and California and many happy times at their summer camp on East Caroga Lake. Stephen died too young in 1993, and Helena lived 20 more years at the farm. Her life was full of family, friends and neighbors and shared with beloved dogs and cats, most recently Rory, the special Standard Poodle who always made her smile. She lived long enough to hear the words “You were right”, uttered by her loving daughter in regard to several issues. She will be remembered for her intelligence, sharp wit, droll observant humor and dedication to her family and dearly cherished friends. She loved fiercely and deeply and expected no less of others. She will be missed.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Lynn M. Smolik and Captain Donald P. Henry, USN (ret.), of Pecks Lake, New York, Menlo Park, California, and most importantly, the farm in Ephratah; two step-grandchildren, Nicholas Henry who is serving in the Navy in Guam and Christopher Henry, a Marine Corps combat veteran, of Cordele, Georgia; a nephew, Jack Smolik (wife Terri Storti) of Johnstown; and his two daughters, Sara and Kate and their families. The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Wells Nursing Home who took good care of Helena in her last years.
Funeral services will be held at the Ephratah Reformed Church at 140 County Highway 140 in Ephratah on Friday, January 19th. There will be a visiting hour from 1 to 2 pm, the funeral service at 2 pm and refreshments immediately after the service. Interment will be in the Ephratah Rural Cemetery in the spring.
Condolences to the family may be made on the Enea Family Funeral Home web site, www.eneafamily.com. Donations in memory of Helena may be made to the Ephratah Reformed Church (mailing address: c/o Marlene Arminio, 418 Saltsman Road, St. Johnsville, NY 13452) or the James A. Brennan Humane Society (437 Nine Mile Tree Road, Gloversville, NY 12078).
All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Funeral Directors Harry Enea, Kevin Enea and Martin Ciaccia. Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street in St. Johnsville, NY 13452. (518) 568-2300.
