Obituary of Helen Marie VanGuilder

North Creek: Helen “Marie” Van Guilder, 96, went to heaven Saturday, March 18, 2017, from her home, shortly after the area received one of the largest snow falls in recent history; the significance of this will be revealed below. Born October 10, 1920 in Sodom, she was the only daughter of the late Harry and Mary Ellen “Nellie” (Burke) Hitchcock. Marie married the love of her life, Lester E. Van Guilder and the couple spent 63 years together before his passing in 2003; they shared the home they built on Route 8 in Sodom from shortly after Lester returned home from the war in 1945, throughout their entire married life. The recent storm reminded many of times of old, when things were simpler, but in many ways harder. During her lifetime, Marie shared aspects of her life with family that made her the woman she was. As a child, she would accompany her father, a hunting guide, into remote camps, work on her family’s farm, and was employed by the Hudnut family and the Chatiemac Club as a teenager. Marie raised her children with a strong work ethic, and even stronger faith. She tended to the small family farm and took on extra jobs in the area. Her knitting, as a hobby, was enjoyed by many neighbors and friends, as well as her family. Marie’s youth training was particularly influential in her cooking, and wow, could she cook! She was known for her rolls and doughnuts, as well as wonderful meals and excellent pies, cakes, and cookies. She enjoyed hunting and loved her New York Yankees. Marie will be sorely missed, but we rejoice in her transition to promises fulfilled. In addition to her parents, Marie is predeceased by her brothers, James “Jim” and Robert “Burke” Hitchcock, and a granddaughter, Meredith Wetmore. Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Harry (Melanie) Van Guilder of Vinton, VA, George (Maggie) Van Guilder of Hampton, VA, Sharon (Bruce) Kilburn of Warrensburg; grandchildren, Lisa (Scott) Gontarek of Chesapeake, VA, Dawn (Jon) Huggins of Yadkinville, NC, Susan Van Guilder of Emerald Isle, NC, Todd (Cindy) Van Guilder of Hampton, VA, Jill Van Guilder of Philadelphia, PA, and Sarah (Josh) Holman of Chatham, IL; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Carla, Gavin, Carson, Ryan, Miranda, Katie, Tyler, Jack, Piper, and Avery; as well as many nieces and nephews. A special acknowledgement goes to her daughter, Sharon, as well as Marion and Sue for the excellent and dedicated care they provided to her. This wonderful, loving devotion made her final years so much more comfortable. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Main Street, North Creek. Friends may call on Marie’s family one hour prior at the church. Burial will take place in the spring in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Marie’s memory toSt. James Roman Catholic Church, Northern Points Cluster, 88 Riverside Drive, Chestertown, NY 12817 or to North Country Ministries, PO Box 111, North Creek, NY 12853. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.