Obituary Listings :: Individual

She was born November 9, 1919, in Grant, NY, the daughter of the late Frank and Katherine Orlowski.  She attended Holy Trinity School and then went to work at Horrock-Ibbotson.  She married Anthony B. Capraro on January 27, 1935 and they first lived on Mulberry Street in Utica.  They were the maid and butler for many prominent Utica families, before they started raising their two sons, Doug and Jeff.  They then moved to Glass Factory Road, Marcy, where they lived for over 30 years.  Helen always welcomed family and friends with a great home cooked meal, ending with lots of delicious home made desserts.  During this time Helen worked at the Marcy Elementary School cafeteria.  There she made many long lasting friendships.  She was also a member of the Maynard Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary.  Helen and Tony had a winter home in Florida that was also always open to visitors, where she continued her loving hospitality.  She loved playing cards with her friends on the hill, members of the local Senior Citizens groups, and her friends in Florida.  She loved to dance a good Polish polka, and was known to have visited a few casinos in various states. 

Helen was affectionately called Babu by not only her grandchildren but their friends and families as well.  Babu was always so happy when they visited and loved spending time with them.

Helen is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Jo-Ann Capraro of West Winfield; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Capraro and John Smith of Marcy.  She also leaves her cherished grandchildren and their spouses, Jessica Capraro, Anthony & Kendra Capraro, Michael Capraro, Vincent & Stacy Paolozzi, and William & Stacey Paolozzi; and her great-grandson, Colin Anthony Capraro.  She is also survived by her Aunt Lillian and Uncle Ray Gates of Marcy; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Capraro of Utica, and Carmella Capraro of Florida; as well as many nephews, cousins and friends both in Utica and Florida.  Helen was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Anthony on Sept. 9, 1982, her son Jeffrey on August 13, 1984, her brother Stanley, and her sister Gertrude.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 9:30 a.m. from the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Forty Main Street, Whitesboro, and 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated.  Entombment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum.  Visitation is Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

The family would like to sincerely thank all the “angels” on Birch Wing, who loved Helen and took such good care of her.

The family asks that you please consider donations in Helen’s memory to; the Presbyterian Home; Comfort Carts; the Ronald McDonald House in Albany; and Fr. Baker’s Orphanage in Buffalo.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.