Helen S. Surry, 88, of Hamden passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 10, 2016 at home.

Helen was born on June 4, 1928 the daughter of the late Moshe Aaron and Gitla (Klejnot) Zytnik. She was a Holocaust survivor, which she spoke about publicly.

Helen married the love of her life, Edward Surry. He died on October 8, 2002. Before Edward's death they enjoyed traveling and going on bus trips.

Helen was a Business woman in Manhattan before moving to Hamden. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Downsville Senior Citizens, Downsville American Legion Auxiliary, and Colchester Community Church. She was a self-proclaimed Jewish, Catholic, Protestant.

Helen was an animal lover and was very active with the Humane Society. She had cats and dogs all of her life, and enjoyed feeding the wildlife at her home.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Sandra Chirillo, grandchildren, John Chirillo (Karyn), Kelli Aviles (Henry), Anthony Chirillo, (Heather), Kimberly Navojosky (Richard), Edward Chirillo (Michele), great-grandchildren, Jessica, Nick, Krystal, Drew, Henry, Anthony, Nicholas, Anna, Michael, Elizabeth, Gianna, Vincent, Xander, Jessica, Jamie, Joseph, great-great grandchildren, Jayden, Jace, and Mary, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton where services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 11 AM with the Rev. Dale Ashby, officiating. Burial will follow in Paige Cemetery in Downsville.

Memorial Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, 46610 State Highway 10, Delhi, New York 13753.