Helyn S. Brainard, age 92, Walton, residing at Countryside Care Center where she spent the last several years went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2011. Helyn was born June 9, 1919 in Dickson City, PA. to Arthur and Jean Schmidt. She attended Dickson City Schools and graduated in 1937. After graduating from high school, Helyn worked at Starlight Inn, in Pennsylvania where she met her future husband, John Brainard of Walton, New York. They were married January 10, 1942 in the Methodist Church in Dickson City and then made their home in Walton.

She was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher and taught the Kindergarten Class and the Women's Class for several years. She later helped organize the Presbyterian Women's Circle in 1958.

Helyn also was an active member of the East Walton Ladies Aid Society and the Walton Grange. Helyn later worked for the Western Auto Store and later on at the Fabric Store in Walton for several years. She enjoyed baking, snowmobiling and traveling throughout the USA.

Helyn is survived by her sons, Roger and his wife, Lynn of Deposit; Harold of Windsor; her daughters, Barbara Bennett and her husband, George of Payson, Arizona; Audrey McKee and her husband, Steve of Englewood, Colorado; several grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, John; her sister, Margaret Schmidt; her brother, Harold Schmidt; brother-in-law, Richard Brainard and his wife Norma.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 10AM-11AM at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton, New York where services will be held following visitation at 11AM with Pastor Lisa Ruth Mays officiating.

After the services there will be a Celebration of Life for Helyn at the United Presbyterian Church, 58 East Street, Walton, New York. Lunch will be served by the Ladies of the Church.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Helyn's name to the United Presbyterian Church, 58 East Street, Walton, New York 13856 or Catskill Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, New York 13820.