WESTERLO — Helen Gladys Sisson, a mother and nurse who was devoted to caring for others, died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. She was 100 years old.

She was born on July 27, 1918, the daughter of John and Gladys (née Shaver) Manchester. She graduated from Schoharie Central High School in 1936 and was the valedictorian of her class at St. Mary’s School of Nursing where she graduated as a licensed practical nurse.

“Mrs. Sisson, as she was known to students at Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary School for over 30 years, volunteered in the library, passing along her love for reading, working hard and the value of an education,” her family wrote in a tribute.

“After spending her life dedicated to caring for others, Mrs. Sisson chose to be a participant in the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program to continue her legacy of hoping to help just one more person with whatever knowledge her gift could impart to a medical student toward a future treatment or cure,” her family wrote.

“At her request, there will not be formal funeral services; instead her wish would be that we all spend time with those whom we love while we are still together.”

Helen Gladys Sisson is survived by her daughters, Linda M. Monkell and Geraldine Adkins and her husband, Bill; her grandchildren Wendy DeLeon, Lonny Hempstead and his wife, Tammi Jo, Marcy Brandow, and Julie Briggs and her husband, Ray; her great-grandchildren, Evan and Andrew DeLeon, Chad and Christina Hempstead, Felica, Sean and Monique Brandow, and Jonathan Briggs; her several great-great grandchildren; and her special friend Maryanne Stoecker and her daughter, Susan.

Her husband, DeWitt J. Sisson, died before her, as did her brother, Albert J. Manchester; her beloved sister Ethel Rapp; her son-in-law Roy Monkell; and her great-granddaughter Samantha Brandow.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the South Berne Rural Cemetery Association, in care of Debora Stalker, 266 Lake Road, Berne, NY 12023, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.