Obituary of Helen M. Downing

Helen Margaret Downing, age 93 and a resident at Glendale nursing home, passed away Monday January 4, 2021 of complications from COVID-19. She was born July 28, 1927 in Victory Mills, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Jankovich) Hulka and grew up on the family farm with her 3 brothers and 5 sisters. Her education started at the one room schoolhouse on the corner of Wagman’s Ridge and Southard roads before attending Saratoga High School. She married David Downing on May 12, 1948 and raised four sons. She retired from employment with the state of New York in 1989. Helen enjoyed family picnics, camping and boating on Lake George, raising her boys and seeing her grandchildren flourish. She is remembered by many for growing geraniums and violets, caring for her cats, feeding birds, and attending Saint Paul’s Lutheran church of Saratoga where she was a lifelong member. She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers Paul, George and Daniel Hulka, sisters Betty Clark, Katherine Cassier, Mary (Joey) Zetterstrom, and Frances Bunzey. She is survived by her sister Anne Grubb, sons Brian, Daniel, Jeffrey, Timothy, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a spring graveside service will take place at the Prospect Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation in Helen’s name be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com