Obituary of Helen E. Spencer

Helen “Betty” Nelson Spencer

Spencerport, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 22, 2018. Betty was born on October 19, 1928, the daughter of Alfred and Frieda Nelson, in Eagle Bay, NY. Betty attended Hartwick College, where she learned Latin, Russian and graduated with a degree in Chemistry.  Betty also spoke fluent German. Following graduation from college, Betty moved to Rochester, NY, to take a job at Eastman Kodak, where she worked editing research papers. 

Betty was a social, active woman who was deeply involved in the First Congregational (better known as the "White Church") in Spencerport, singing in the church choir for 60 years. She enjoyed camping and trips to the Adirondacks with her family, as well as other family-oriented activities. Betty also managed the Fairfield Cemetery for 46 years, sang in the community chorus, worked at the Salem soup kitchen, and headed the local Republican committee for many years.  Betty was known as the “go to” person in Spencerport by many community members.

Betty’s family and friends will always remember her as and intelligent, educated, kind, and generous person, with a quick wit and great sense of humor.  She was well loved by the staff at Westwood Commons while she resided there.

Betty was predeceased in death by her beloved husband Raymond; her sisters, Paula Gray (Nelson) and Mary Alfreda. Betty is survived by her children, David (Paula) Spencer, Daniel (Maria) Spencer, of Spencerport, NY, Carol Spencer, of Orlando, FL, and grandchildren, James, Sarah, Evan, Jeffrey (Amber), and Jason, of Spencerport, NY.

Betty is also survived by her brother, Stuart Nelson and his wife, Maryann and family, sister, Ruth Brussel and husband, Al and family. 

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 13 at First Congregational Church of Christ " White Church " at 11:00 AM.