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Helen N. Piersons

Helen N. Piersons

Helen N. Piersons, 98, of Stockton, passed away Friday, February 23, 2018 at Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing.

Born February 4, 1920 in Hartfield a daughter of the late George and Mary Peterson Wing. She was a 1938 graduate of Mayville High School.

In the early 40s Helen trained and was a member of the First Aid Squad and was also a member of the team assigned to watch for airplanes during WWII.

Helen was employed at the former Rownd and Son Basket Factory as Mr. Rownd’s personal secretary and as a secretary and Librarian Assistant at BOCES .

On June 1, 1966, Helen, her husband Don, Leonard Deering and his wife, started Stockton Sales. Helen and Don became sole owners in 1977. This became one of the largest antique and used merchandise stores in Western New York. The business was sold in 1980. She also assisted and supported her husband in various business ventures.

Helen was an active member of the Star Rebekah Lodge No. 395 Since 1943 and served as Noble Grand in 1946, 19691971 and 19751977. She also served as District Deputy President of Chautauqua Rebekah District No. 2 from 19551956, 19621963 and 19691970. She also served as recording secretary and treasurer for many years. In 1963 she was appointed as outside guardian for the New York State Rebekah Assembly in 1978 Helen was recommended by the lodge for the Declaration of Chivalry and Jewel, given for recognition of community service as well as fraternity work. This is one of the highest honors in the fraternity and in 1978 she was also elected as president of the State Assembly and brought the convention to Jamestown in 1979. In 2000 Helen served on a committee which revised the state and local lodge bylaws. In 2009 Helen was presented the 65 year Veteran’s Jewel. She served for many year as state instructor. Helen was elected in 1975 to the Board of Directors of the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Rehabilitation Health Care Center, Lockport and served as President for several terms and continued as a board member for many years. Helen and her husband often hosted Rebekah state and county presidents, officers, as well as countless relatives and friends at picnics and get-togethers at their Bear Lake Summer home. “The principles these fraternal organizations exemplify have enhanced my interest in the welfare of others.”

She was one of the founding members and held offices in the Stockton Citizens Organization of Renewal and Expansion (SCORE), dedicated 25 years as an inspector on the County Board of Elections and was the Stockton Town Historian for many years and was still serving in that position. Helen had a deep interest in history and genealogy, was a member of the Chautauqua County Genealogy and Historical Societies, corresponding secretary and member of the Board of Directors for the Wing Family of America, Valley Historical Society, Mary E. Seymour Memorial Library Board and active in the Stockton Old Fashioned Days Committee work.

Helen and her husband traveled by land, air and sea all over the world, seeing all but two continents.

Helen and Don were always very proud of the town of Stockton which they spent their lives in and have given sizable charitable donations to the Stockton VFD, one of which made it possible for the building of a new Post Office, which a monument in recognition is placed in front of the building.

In 1980, they established a sizable scholarship fund at Cassadaga Valley Central School for students continuing their education in an agricultural based field.

“I was born and grew up during the Depression years, so I learned, early on in life, to accept the fact that some things cannot be changed…so we make the most of what we have.”

Wife of 76 years to the late Donald Piersons who she married Dec. 3, 1941 and died May 18, 2017; sister of Fred (E. Jane) Wing of Stockton and the late Harold Wing; sister in law of Winnie Wing of Westfield; Aunt of Bill (Nella) Perrine of Westfield, Jim (Margaret) Perrine of VA., David (Sue) Perrine of Erie, PA, Wanda (Robert) Cincar of TX, Rodney Wing of MS, Anita Stafford of FL, Sherry (Rev. Philip) Shay and Maleia (Paul) Fetters all of Jamestown, Fred Wing, Jr. of AK, JaneEllen (Michael Manard) Price of Chesapeake, VA, David (Laura) Price of Dewittville and BFF Phyllis Ames of Stockton.

Graveside service 1 p.m. Wednesday in Greenwood Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Stockton. No prior visitation.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Stockton VFD, Stockton, NY 14784.

Arrangements by Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville.