QUEENSBURY — Helene D. Rothermel, 88, of Evergreen Lane, passed away Friday, June 6, 2014, with some of her children by her side.

Born March 21, 1926, in Albany, she was the daughter of the late David and Alma Daggett. Helene had one sister, Alma Ruth McCormick, sight-challenged from a young age, who predeceased her in 2012. Helene and her sister were very close all their lives.

Helene attended Albany schools and became a majorette at age 13. She and her sister loved to roller skate around Albany. For a few years, Helene lived in a third-floor apartment of a Catholic school and helped clean the classrooms.

Helene met her husband, John Rothermel, while on a blind date with John's cousin. Helene and John wrote letters as he was stationed in Virginia while he was in the Navy during the war.

When World War II ended, they were married. Over the years, they had five boys and four girls. After the children were grown, they traveled for years.

Helene's hobbies were embroidering, drawing and watching Turner classics.

A couple of years ago, Helene lost part of her left leg, which left her confined to a wheelchair.

Helene was predeceased not only by her parents and sister, but also by her husband of 57 wonderful years, John H. Rothermel, and their two daughters Russelyn Littrell Skalski and Andrea J. Rothermel.

Helene is survived by her seven children: daughter Christine Tebbutt of Diamond Point, son J. David and Denise Rothermel of Hudson Falls, son Steven and Theresa Rothermel of Lake George, daughter Jolene and Don Eletto of Lake Luzerne, son Thomas Rothermel and Nanette Foster of Charlton, son James and Linzi Rothermel of Chugiak, Alaska, and son Martyn Rothermel of Fleming Island, Florida. Helene would be proud to announce her 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren who adored her and will miss her greatly.

Friends may call on Helene's family from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 12, 2014, at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at noon at the funeral home with the Rev. Joseph Anselment officiating.

Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Birch Avenue, Lake George, immediately after the service.

Donations in loving memory of Helene and her sister, Alma Ruth McCormick, may be made to the Northeastern Association for the Blind, 301 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206.

Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or emailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com