10/01/2026
In Loving Memory
Helen J. Plumley
March 4, 1930 – September 29, 2026
Camden, NY - Helen J. Plumley of Camden, New York, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the age of 96. A proud nurse, devoted mother, and the matriarch of a vibrant and growing family, she embodied a life of service to her church, community and family. She lived with a boundless spirit, equally content managing the beautiful chaos of her kitchen at 52 Elm Street in Camden or setting off on adventures to Alaska and England.
Born on March 4, 1930, in Groveland, New York, Helen was the beloved daughter of Harry Bartlett Johnson and Mabel Shaver Johnson. She was the cherished youngest of four siblings and was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Donald, DeMerle, and Harry and her daughter-in-law, Patti Plumley.
Drawn to a career of service, after graduating from Geneseo High School in 1948, Helen pursued nursing at The Craig Colony School of Nursing in Sonyea, New York, graduating in 1951. Her clinical rotations took her across New York State — from Syracuse and Rochester to New York City — culminating in her licensing as a Registered Nurse.
It was during her student days at the former Syracuse Memorial Hospital that Helen was caring for a patient when his son, Jack, would visit faithfully every day. Impressed by his devotion, Helen kept in touch with Jack for two years while finishing her training. They married on June 7, 1952, first moving to Watertown, New York, where Helen worked at Good Samaritan Hospital while Jack was in the Army stationed at Pine Camp, now known as Fort Drum. In 1953, Jack and Helen moved to Camden. They had a wonderful partnership that spanned 65 years until Jack’s passing in 2017.
Helen maintained her RN license until the age of 79, and was a constant caregiver to family, friends and neighbors. She was a participant in the Harvard Medical School Nurse’s Health Study for over 75 years. Through the years, she assisted Dr. William Allison of Camden with rural home delivery births, proudly served on the Red Cross Disaster Team, volunteered at several School Clinics and Red Cross Blood Mobiles, and even worked the medical tents during the high-energy Woodstock Music Festival at Griffiss Air Force Base in 1999. Helen was also a 60-year member of the American Legion Auxilliary in Camden.
At home, Helen managed a bustling household of seven children. To her family, Helen was an artist in the kitchen, baking nine loaves of bread every single week out of necessity and love, while also mastering the craft of canning. Over the years, her baked goods became a sought-after fixture at local church and community bake sales.
Beyond her nursing career, Helen stepped into business administration to manage the family firm, Mad River Realty Corporation, a role that became vital during Jack’s tenure as Oneida County Executive from 1983 to 1991. Helen negotiated sales and helped numerous families find new homes in her community during these years.
As her children grew, Helen’s appetite for adventure transformed her into an avid traveler. She and Jack attended the Winter Olympic Games in Calgary in 1988, explored Alaska multiple times and journeyed to cities across the United States. One of her most meaningful trips took her to England, where she visited the airfield where her late brother, Donald, had flown over 30 missions in a B-24 Liberator during World War II.
Music was a constant thread throughout her journey; Helen’s harmonious voice adorned the United Methodist Church Choir, first in Groveland and then in Camden, where she also directed the Junior Choir. Her love for melody echoed the grace she brought to all of life's endeavors.
Whether traveling or managing the family business, Helen always ensured everything was looked after at home. As she would sometimes note, maintaining order over a family that eventually grew to include 34 grandchildren and great-grandchildren was perhaps her greatest administrative triumph, requiring a healthy sense of humor, which she certainly possessed.
Helen’s legacy lives on through her seven children: Judy (Terry), Joel, Joanne (Frank), Jeremiah (Janice), John (Christine), James (Danielle), and Jennifer (Mark); as well as 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. All of them remain deeply inspired by the values of integrity, hard work, and service that Helen and Jack personified together. Helen is also survived by several cherished nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to Calling Hours at LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, Camden, New York on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A private burial will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Camden.
At Helen’s request, in lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to:
The United Methodist Church
132 Main Street
Camden, New York 13316
The Camden Fire Department
14 Church Street
Camden, New York 13316
The Camden Ambulance Service
P.O. Box 222
Camden, New York 13316
