Helen Fogel

Helen Fogel, 71, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 14, 2025 in Columbus,Ohio.

Helen was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 31, 1953 to Daniel and Ellen Connor. The fourth of nine children, Helen was proud of her family, loved her siblings, and was cared for by many of them in recent months, alongside her sons.

Helen graduated from Bishop Waterson High School in 1972, where her fellow classmates voted her most prudent and kind in speech. That generosity of spirit led Helen to a career in nursing, where she touched countless lives through her compassion and knowledge. She had an incredible gift to listen carefully and intentionally to others. She remembered the details of people’s lives—a testament to the level of attention she gave when she was with you. Helen brought that loving presence to her patients too, caring for each person with a steady and confident expertise.

She graduated from Memorial School of Nursing in Albany, before working at St. Peter’s Hospital in both the emergency department and the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Helen also later worked in several primary care practices and, after that, as a mobile health examiner.

It was while working in the coronary care unit at St. Peter’s Hospital, that Helen met her future husband and best friend, Alan. The two loved nature, hiking at Thacher Park on their first date. Helen’s favorite season was spring. She loved the opportunity to be outside and looked forward to time in her garden, which Alan and her sons, Benjamin and Jonathan, built.

Married in April of 1986, Helen and Alan’s love for one another was evident to anyone who met them or had the joy of watching them dance together. There was a visible spark between them. Helen was immensely proud of their nearly 40-year marriage, one that was built on deep respect and partnership.

She was also deeply proud of the couple’s sons, beaming as she shared stories about them as children, their latest accomplishments, or time spent together. Her granddaughter, Aurelia, was a large source of joy for Helen, too. She loved children, and children were drawn to her gentle nature, magnetic personality, and infectious laugh. When she smiled, it lit up the room.

Some of Helen’s best friends were her sisters, Mary and Annie, who, alongside her sons, and nieces, cared for her in recent months. She looked forward to their weekly phone calls and visits across states, and she cherished the close bond they shared.

Even after retiring, Helen stayed connected to her nursing friends, looking forward to their monthly lunches. She continued to share her expertise and caring nature through her volunteer work with Community Caregivers, and with the countless friends she sat with and checked on through the ups and downs of their lives.

Helen loved animals as much as she loved people. Her beloved dogs Libby, Abby, and Mickey were important members of her family, and she relished any opportunity she had to meet another four-legged friend. She also loved to read, to sing, and to dance. Helen had an artistic and creative soul, making beautiful stained glass art and wreaths.

Helen is survived by her sons Benjamin Fogel (Beatrix) of Connecticut, Dr. Jonathan Fogel of Massachusetts; her granddaughter, Aurelia; her siblings, Drew (Margaret) Connor, Therese McBride, Mary (Tom) Harris, Ann (Jon) Tribbie, Bernadette (Joe) Jansen, Jim (Gina) Connor, Carol (Dennis) Middleton, and John (Mary) Connor; many nieces and nephews, in-laws, and close friends.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Alan, the couple’s infant daughters Meghan and Alice, her parents, Daniel and Ellen, her nephew Patrick Connor, and her brother-in-law Les Fogel.

Friends and family are invited to call on the family on Tuesday, May 20th from 4-6 pm at Newcomer Cremations & Funerals, at 343 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. A private interment will follow.