Helen G. Pedersen

On June 21, 2021, Helen (Dittrich) Pedersen, of Norwich, NY spread her wings to walk with the Angels, after a courageous battle with a nefarious criminal named Cancer, while surrounded by her Loving Family. Born April 20, 1920 in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of the late Charles and Helen Dittrich. She was 101 years old and stayed strong throughout her journey. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like for she was an inspiration to many.

Helen graduated from PS-124 High School in NY, NY, soon after, met Gilbert Pedersen, Sr. whom she married in September 1941. They shared nearly 66 years of life together until his passing in April 2007. Eventually, Helen and Gil moved from NYC to Holbrook, NY. Helen was a devoted wife and Mother who treasured her 3 children and fostered 2 adolescent boys. Helen had an entrepreneurial mindset always looking for opportunity. In 1949 she owned and operated “The Variety Shop” where people could obtain products like that of a Five and Dime store. In 1952, Helen embarked on a career with the US Postal Service, in Holbrook, NY. Helen’s career span over 28 years until her retirement in 1980. She held many positions during her tenure including Assistant Postmaster.

Caring for her family and her full-time career were most important, yet, Helen found time to give back to the community. She had many roles; Auxiliary Group Member for the Holbrook FD, Den Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, volunteer for the Drum and Bugle Corp and was instrumental in starting up the Holbrook Federal CU. Helen was the happiest when surrounded by and entertaining family and friends, where every occasion was filled with Love, Joy and her special added touches leaving everyone with fond memories.

In 1987 she moved from Holbrook to Norwich NY to join her Son and youngest (Daughter), where she resided until the end of her life.

Once settled into Upstate NY living, and satisfying her many passions that went beyond her family, Helen found ways to stay active and continued bringing joy to others. She loved lavishing others with her creative gifts from beautiful flower arrangements to delicate hand-made crafts. At the age of 77, still with an entrepreneurial mindset, Helen established “Nanny’s Hand-Crafted Gifts” shop in Norwich, where unique handmade crafts and decorative creations made by herself and other local artisans could be found. The Evening Sun even published a story! While rehabilitating from knee surgery at The Gilmore Healthcare Facility, she saw an opportunity to add happiness to the residents and ventured into a volunteer program to teach crafts. She loved seeing them smile when admiring their creations.

Helen’s story speaks to one who lived a fulfilling life, who awoke every day with a renewed passion for life. Helen was an ebullient, optimistic, loving woman who truly loved life and all people. A family matriarch, mentor, an inspiration and cherished woman. She especially loved her role as Grandma and Nanny always calling her Grand, Great and Great-Great Grandchildren, her “Little Pumpkins” who brought much joy to her life. She looked forward to gatherings with family and friends. She loved being outdoors, watching flowers grow, listening to birds, feeding wildlife. When she and her son Gilbert, would put their creative minds together for a project her jubilance radiated with each finished product. She enjoyed trips to visit her daughter Arlene on Long Island, spending time with her family, extended family members and long-time friends. She loved going to her daughter Diane’s camp at Plymouth Reservoir especially for 4th of July celebrations enjoying all flavors of Jell-O shots!

Helen loved all holidays but Christmas was her ultimate favorite, extremely evident in the warmth she built into her holiday décor. When no longer driving, she invariably looked forward to her outings and shopping sprees to find ‘bargains’, perhaps not necessities but always with a crafty idea or a person in mind; the dollar store became an all-time favorite.

Helen is survived by her Daughters Arlene Scionti of Patchogue NY and Diane (Dennis) Schlafer of Norwich, NY, Grandchildren Daniel Pedersen, Darren (Patricia) Pedersen, Denise (Robert) Matz, Melissa (Douglas) Leonard, Michael Scionti, Jessica (Rob) Solomon and Danielle (Tim) Ryan, step-grandchildren Michael Schlafer, Melissa Osterhout, Melinda (Jay) Cole, and Matthew Schlafer; great-grandchildren Robert (III), James (Karla), Desire’, Bryan Matz, Ryan (Morgan), Alexa Pedersen, Lorelei, Liahna, Larina Leonard, Makenzie, Robbie and Jordyn Solomon; Whittaker, Ellie, Brooklyn, Jack Ryan, step great-grandchildren, Cora Leigh Shepard, Alexis & Hayden Sykes, Shaylee Horton and Tyson Cole, Great-Great Grandchildren Sophia and Elena Matz, her brother-in-law Clifford (Dottie) Pedersen, very close sisterly friends Edna Pirkl and Margaret (John) Murray. Family friend and recent caregiver, Charlene Duddy survives with whom Helen built a special bond. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Michele Pedersen, whom she loved as a daughter, and unequivocally welcomed Michele’s present husband Joseph Moye, as family. Many nieces, nephews and close friends also survive.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Gilbert Pedersen Sr., Son Gilbert Pedersen Jr., granddaughter, Alicia Scionti, Granddaughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Mattice) Pedersen, and a Step-Great Granddaughter, Leah Osterhout.

Helen will be unquestionably missed and forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Helen was grateful, thankful, and felt very blessed by the outpouring of love she received from all her family and friends who were able to attend her recent 101st Birthday Celebration held May 29, 2021. A final gala…as the song goes; “I Did It My Way!!!”

At Helen’s request there will be no calling hours or services.