Helen E. LaVare

Helen LaVare, 94, passed away on May 18, 2026, at CPH in Potsdam, NY surrounded by all of her family after a brief illness.

Helen was born on September 14, 1931 in Potsdam, NY, to William and Izora (Prince) St.Hilaire.

She started her career as a Hand Lacer and went on to work for Tru Stitch for many years.

Helen married Joseph LaVare on July 27th, 1957 in North Lawrence, NY. They celebrated 28 wonderful years together until Joe's passing on March 14th, 1986.

Helen was best known for her Tap dancing skills, bringing smiles to faces young and old. She enjoyed trips with her friends to dances and Competitions all over Upstate NY and Canada, especially her friend Evelyn Cameron. She was an outgoing soul, a well known social butterfly who never missed the chance to stop and visit with the hundreds of people that came across her path, and quickly became her friend. Her and her sister Kay could always be found dancing in the kitchen to her favorite Fiddle tunes.

Helen is survived by her Sister, Kathleen (Kay) Thomas, her Children Rick LaVare (Anna Sunderland) Shelly (Tom) LaMora, Judy LaVare (Brian King), Amy (Mark) Titus, and Mary (Darwin) Mitchell, Her grandchildren Jacobi Mitchell, Ethan Mitchell, Nicole (Adam) LaShomb, Melinda (Corey) Oakes, Eric (Meagan) Mitchell, Devin Mitchell (Marissa Russell) Breanna (Brad) Rivers, Brandon (Kaylie) Deshane, Kelsey LaVare (Marc Nuzzo), Joseph (Kimberley) LaVare, Dustin (Miranda) Woods, Dawson LaVare, Ashley (Tyler) Rodriguez, Lindsay (Joel) Monegro, Hailey (Avery) Barney, Corey (Victoria) Premo, Katrina Premo, Kayla Torrey, Michelle (Ty) Bulley, Kristen Vincent, Richard Vincent Jr, and Tammy Premo, and Nicole Christian Johnson. She is also survived by many great grandchildren, and others that still called her "Gramma Helen". She is also survived by Andrew McGregor and Carla Ingram, who she considered her nephew and niece.

Her family would also like to offer immense gratitude for her dedicated and loving aides, who assisted with the best care and company in the last few months of her life. especially Tammy (AKA The Boss she called her) who was her "Go To" person, taking her and Kay to bingo, craft days at the SRF Adult Center and anywhere else she wanted to go.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph LaVare, her parents William & Izora St.Hilaire, her son William (Bill/Wheels) LaVare, Daughter in law Mary Beth (Laird) LaVare . Her grandchildren Marissa DeShane, Zachary Sargent and Robin Premo, and her Brother In Law Gene Thomas.

Friends and family for Mrs. Helen LaVare may call on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 at Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, NY from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at St. Patrick's Church in Brasher Falls at 1 pm. Burial will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in North Lawrence, NY.

Memorial donations can be made in Helen's Memory to the Nicholville Fire Departmen, PO Box 25, Nicholville, NY 12965.