Helen W. Kammerer

March 26, 1916 - July 3, 2015

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Helen Kammerer passed away around midnight on July 3, 2015, surrounded by her family and reminiscing about favorite moments from her childhood and adult years. She was in her 100th year. Helen was born on March 26, 1916, in Oakland, CA, to Margaret Farrell Wallace and Samuel Wallace. Helen graduated from Saint Augustine School and Oakland Technical High School. After high school, she and her family moved to New York, NY. There, Helen worked as a secretary at prominent advertising and accounting firms, sang in choirs (and even recorded on a W. C. Handy album), and was a member of Club Dominicana. There were a few men that Helen could have married, but Edward Kammerer captured her heart. The two wed on June 12, 1954, and moved to Huntington, NY. They had a son, Edward H. Kammerer, and a daughter, Mary Parliman. Helen was an artist; she was particularly talented in needlework, was an award-winning doll-maker, and played the classical guitar and piano. She spent her later years in Saratoga Springs, NY. She built strong friendships wherever she went. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her brother, Harold Wallace. She is survived by her children, Edward H. Kammerer and his wife, Lauren Kammerer, of Saunderstown, RI, and Mary Parliman and her husband, Francois Bonneville, of Saratoga Springs, NY; and four grandchildren, Emily Parliman of Brooklyn, NY, Chloe Parliman of Rochester, NY, Ted Kammerer of Burlington, VT, and William Kammerer of Providence, RI. Helen’s family would like to express thanks to the staff of the Home of the Good Shepherd and the staff of Saratoga Hospital. Service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 6th at the Tunison Funeral Home, 104 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Calling hours tonight Sunday from 4 to 6 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Carter Center or Saratoga Arts Council.