Helene E. Depalma

Helene E. DePalma, 76, of Central Bridge, NY passed away peacefully on May 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Albany, NY on May 13, 1948, she is the eldest daughter of the late John L. and Ann M. (Wright) Hines.

Helene attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, Cardinal McCloskey Memorial High School, Albany Medical Center School of Nursing, and The College of St. Rose. Helene devoted her professional life to nursing. She viewed nursing as her high calling—a means of bringing compassion and healing to others in the midst of their vulnerability, uncertainty, and pain. Her expertise and empathy as a nurse were extraordinary gifts to countless patients and family members throughout her life.

Helene was the wife of Thomas M. DePalma; mother of Michael-John DePalma and Thomas A. DePalma; grandmother of Liliana H. DePalma, Judah M. DePalma, Thomas J. DePalma, and Shiloh B. DePalma; mother-in-law of Courtney I. DePalma and Ashley R. DePalma; sister of Margaret “Maggie” Smith and the late John L. Hines, Jr.; sister-in-law of the late Robert (Maggie) J. Smith and Beverly (late John) Hines. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, all of whom were blessed in numerous ways by Helene’s unspeakable kindness and remarkable grace.

Helene’s life was a masterclass in love. Ever a beacon to her family, she treasured her mom and dad and lived each day to honor their legacy of boundless generosity. She adored her grandchildren and understood that every song, conversation, story, cry, snack, prayer, laugh, or dance they shared together was a sacred and fleeting gift. She cherished her sons, cheering them on in every endeavor and affirming the value of their dreams, no matter how wild. Helene devoted her life to her husband of fifty-three years, faithfully stewarding together their hopes, friendship, and family.

Helene’s years were marked by untrammeled joy. She embraced the subtle splendors of each day—the cardinal’s voice in the backwoods, the smell of coffee brewing while the sky is still dark, the sweetness of stashed chocolate snuck after midnight, the love letter from her grandchild tucked in the pages of her notebook. The places she treasured—Burden Lake, Thatcher Park, Lake George, Cape Cod, Rye Beach—became more beautiful in the light of her gratitude. Helene approached every encounter as an opportunity for connection with the beauty, preciousness, and brilliance of fellow travelers, both those she had known for a lifetime and those she was meeting for the first time. An endless parade of souls have been blessed by her open heart, generous listening, unwavering attention, insatiable curiosity, and gentle wisdom. Helene’s absence will be long felt by many.

Helene’s family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Peter’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Sincere thanks to Dr. Daniel Paik, Dr. Ronald Hoenzsch, Dr. Philippe Armand, Dr. Ronnie Luyun, and the many physicians, nurses, and family members who cared for Helene with compassion and kindness over many years. Her family is deeply grateful.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12209. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11 am at Daniel Keenan Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the family plot of the St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Avenue, Menands, NY 12204. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Helene may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

Online condolences may be made at www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.