Helen M Schwager

Helen M. Schwager

Helen Marion (Martin) Schwager, 90, of Oxford, passed away on at the Oxford Veteran’s Home.

Born December 16, 1934, in Purchase, NY, Helen was the eldest child of the late Guy and Helen (Scott) Martin.

Helen graduated from White Plains High School in 1952. After meeting George Schwager at a square dance at the Purchase Community Center, her life took a very different direction from her upbringing. They were married in 1955 and moved to McDonough, NY, where they ran a dairy farm together for over 30 years. In addition to her work on the farm, Helen contributed her talents to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service supporting local farmers and land conservation efforts.

Community involvement was important to Helen. She was a dedicated EMT volunteer for the McDonough Emergency Squad and long-time member of the Recreation Committee.

During her retirement years, she enjoyed travel, winters in Englewood, FL, and summers surrounded by family members and garden produce.

Helen is survived by her sisters: Carol Ryan, Shirley Brown, and Gail (Romalo) Santucci; her sister-in-law, Pat Martin; her husband of 70 years, George C. Schwager; their dog, SueBee; their four children: Susan (Dan) Cerretani, Robert (Judy) Schwager, Carole (Jim) Sylstra, David (Vera Daughton) Schwager; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her brother, Kenneth, and brothers-in-law, David Ryan and Michael Brown.

The family will hold a celebration of life at a date to be determined.