Obituary of Helen Van Wie

Helen S. Van Wie passed away peacefully at Orange Regional Medical Center on March 30, 2016. She was 99. The daughter of the late Stephan and Alexandra Sautin (formerly of Russia), she was born on July 19, 1916 in Albany, New York. Mrs. Van Wie attended public schools in Albany, graduating from high school in 1933. She later graduated from SUNY Albany in 1937 and became a teacher of math, science and biology in 1939. In 1946 she married Robert Van Wie who worked for General Telephone. They moved several times, teaching in Lowville, Johnstown, Port Jervis and settling in Middletown in 1962. She retired in 1973 from Veraldi Jr. High after 29 years of teaching. Teaching was always something Helen enjoyed. She hoped she touched and changed the lives of many young people along the way. She led an active social and community life. Helen was a member of Webb Horton Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Trustee and taught Sunday School. Also a member of the Garden Club, Women's University club, she served on the Board of Middletown Day Nursery and Homemaker Service. She helped establish Meals on Wheels in Middletown and was honored by the Town of Wallkill Lioness Club in 1983 for dedicated Community Volunteer Service. Helen was an active volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association of the Hudson Valley after her husband was diagnosed in 1988. She enjoyed teaching, traveling with her husband, reading, playing golf, bowling, bridge and gardening. Survivors include her devoted daughter Barbara of Middletown and her partner Frank; her son Stephen and wife of Hortonville, WI; many special friends, nieces and nephews, and grand dogs, especially Shadow. Also her three tireless caregivers. Her husband Robert N. Van Wie and brother Stephen Sautin predeceased her. A special Memorial Service is planned to celebrate Helen's 100th birthday on July 16, 2016 at United Presbyterian Church on Orchard Street in Middletown. For more information email: bvanwie@hvc.rr.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Helen's name to the Alzheimer's Association of the Hudson Valley or to Pets Alive in Middletown. Arrangements by Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. 845-343-6023 or www.ocfuneralhomes.com.