Helen E. Seely, resident of Walton, NY and Haines City, FL, formerly of

Apalachin, NY, died Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, NY, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 74.

Helen was born on April 30, 1936, the daughter of the late LoRaine and Beatrice (Beers) La Tourette. A 1955 graduate of Binghamton Central High School, Helen became a licensed beautician and was employed at Tony's Hair Salon. In 1956, she married Lyn Seely in Walton. They shared 50 beautiful years. He died on January 5, 2007.

Helen operated a beauty shop out of her home for several years. In 1985,

Helen opened and became the proprietor of the Whistle Stop Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, a venture she took great pride in. In later years, Helen

enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Lyn at her brother, Bruce's home and trucking company. Most recently, Helen's winter home was in Haines City, FL, where she has many cherished friends.

Helen was a member of the Walton United Presbyterian Church and recently

attended the New Hope Community Church of Walton. While her children were young, Helen was active with the Fresh Air Fund and hosted many children who enjoyed some time in the country. Helen took pleasure in collecting antiques, flower gardening, painting and spending time with family, friends, especially her grandchildren. For many years, she was a familiar face at local auction houses and enjoyed working at Full Circle Antiques in Walton.

Helen is survived by her loving family, her daughters, Cynthia (Chris) Lavell, Goshen; Jeanne (Steve) Cherniak, Bainbridge; a son, Frank (Deborah) Seely, Hancock,; grandchildren, Michael, Emily and Justin Lavell, Anthony and Carmella Seely, Ross Glasmann, Xavier and Theodore Cherniak; sister, Arletta (Stephen) Jurena, sister-in-law, Mary LaTourette, brother-in-law, Roger Budine, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen was predeceased by a daughter, Pamela Jean Seely, a sister, Eloise Budine, a brother, Bruce LaTourette, and a daughter-in-law, Patty O'Boyle Seely.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday evening, May 27, 2010, from 6:30 to 9 PM at the New Hope Community Church, Stockton Ave., Walton, where services will be held on Friday afternoon, at 1 PM with the Rev. Larry Light, officiating. Burial will follow at Walton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Helen's memory may be made to the United Presbyterian Church, Walton or New Hope Community Church.