Vanamburgh, Helen

GLENMONT – Helen C. “Nan” (McNally) VanAmburgh, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home Sunday, September 9, 2018 at the age of 80.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Helen (Coons) McNally. Nan was affectionately known as “Princess” and “Sassy Old Lady”.She was the backbone and pillar of the family who enjoyed spending time with them, her friends and beloved dogs Tigger and Burke.She also enjoyed summers at Alpine Lake sitting on her swing and vacations at the ocean.

Nan was an amazing, caring woman who unselfishly put others before herself.

Helen was born and raised in Albany where she began her employment with the NY Telephone Company. She later worked for the Albany Dioceses where she was the primary caretaker of Rev. Anthony Sidoti. Nan was also a crossing guard with the City of Albany for 15 years.

Her primary focus however, was raising her kids and grandkids and Nan never missed a school function or sporting event that involved her kids.

Helen was predeceased by her husband William J. Van Amburgh, Jr.; and her brothers Burke and Joseph McNally.

She is survived by her first raised son Dennis (Anna) McNally; children Christine (Richard) Mirando, Cindy Van Amburgh and William (Pam) Van Amburgh; grandchildren Cait, Jake, Jourdan, Billy and Eva Rose; her sister Tead Paley; cousin Carol Van Amburgh; best friend Peppy Schafer as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank her caregivers, Debbie and Jalisa for being phenomenal to our beloved Mom and Nan during this time.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family Thursday September 13 from 4-7 pm in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc., 490 Delaware Ave. Albany.

Funeral services will be held Friday Sept 14 at 9:15 am from the funeral home thence to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave., where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am. Interment will follow the Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont.

In memory of Helen, those who wish may send donations to their favorite charity.