Helen A. Oset, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28, 2022 at home, surrounded by love. She was born on December 10, 1929 to the late Jacob and Lisette (Galm) Hensel in Yulan, NY. She graduated from Eldred Central School in 1947 as Salutatorian. Helen was married to the late Chester Oset; they were married for 60 years before Chet passed away June 27, 2009. She was also predeceased by her sister, Kate, and son Chet.

Helen was part of the Greatest Generation and strongly believed in volunteerism and community. She proudly served her country on the home front as a civilian plane spotter in World War II and would often meet at the Barryville Town Hall to help wrap cloth that would be used for bandages. She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, Yulan; the Rosary Society; the Yulan Volunteer Fire Department La-dies Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, holding many officer positions throughout the years. She was a volunteer dispatcher for the Yulan Fire Department and also volunteered time at the voting polls.

She was a known “foodie” before the expression was invented—known for her Christmas cookies, German potato salad and many delicious meals shared with family and friends.

She loved sharing stories about growing up in Yulan, and had a propensity for remembering the most minute details about the boarding houses, attending the one-room school in the house, “Times Square,” and the Yulan roller rink. Along with raising their six children, Chet and Helen opened their home to many neighborhood friends who needed a place to turn to during difficult times.

Helen is survived by her five children: Diane Guendel and her husband, Fred; Patricia Butler and her husband, Tom; Judith Oset and her wife, Michelle Vodopia; Jackie Ryman and her husband, Maurice; and Michael Oset and his wife, Marikate. She also had eight grandchildren: Becky Ryman, Kelly Lee, Chris Ryman, Claire Dodge, Nicholas Guendel, Celia Golden, Alexander Guendel and Timothy Oset, and eight great-grandchildren. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Helen’s caregiver and “angel” for the past three years, Janis Baker.

 A Memorial Mass is to be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, Yulan, and burial will be held in the parish cemetery in the spring.  Date and time will be announced in the future.

Donations in memory of Helen can be made to the Yulan Fire Department and Hospice of Orange & Sullivan.

Arrangements are under the care of the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home, 3412 Rte. 97, in Barryville, NY. Call 845/557-8010.