Cornelia Helwig

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Cornelia graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1961.

Above all, she was a devoted and nurturing mother who took great pride in raising her four children. After dedicating many years to her family, she returned to the workforce, where she brought the same care and commitment to her professional life. She worked in a clerical role within the Dunkirk school system, assisting with substitute teacher coordination, and served with the Fredonia State Research Foundation as a migrant tutor–roles through which she made a lasting difference in the lives of many students and families.

She had a lifelong love for dogs and a special compassion for animals in need. For many years, she dedicated her time to volunteering at the Dunkirk Humane Society, where she gave countless animals comfort, care, and a second chance at love. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her gentle spirit touched not only the lives of people, but also the many four-legged friends who were lucky enough to know her.

She was the heart of her family in every sense–a devoted mother who believed deeply in the importance of time together. From summers in the Adirondacks to magical trips to Disney with her children, parents, and dear sister, and later her grandchildren, she created traditions that will live on for generations. She treasured experiences and holiday memories over things, laughter over worry, and togetherness above all else. Her love for her family was matched only by her love for adventure and the cherished friendships she nurtured throughout her life.

Through the outstanding care she received at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, she was given the invaluable gift of more time with her family. The compassion, skill, and unwavering support of her medical team made a profound difference in her journey and in the lives of those who loved her.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate hospice team whose care, kindness, and support brought comfort and peace during her final days. Their dedication and presence were a true blessing and will always be remembered with heartfelt appreciation.

In Irish tradition, we often say that “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” And this mother was that shelter. She was the heart of the family–the one who held everyone together, who noticed what others missed, who prayed when others were tired, and who loved without counting the cost.

And perhaps the most beautiful legacy she leaves us is this: That if we love one another the way she loved, if we forgive the way she forgave, if we pray the way she prayed, then her life continues–not just in memory, but in us.

“Well done, good and faithful one.”

And may we carry her love forward, until the day we meet again.

She was a member of the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth.

Cornelia is survived by her loving children, Lori Helwig, Stephen (Tara Pencek) Helwig, Scott (Shannon) Helwig, and Jennifer (Charles) Penfield; grandchildren, Jessica (Benjamin) Ross, Jonathan (Haley) Crane, Joshua Crane, Matthew and Addison Helwig, Gavin, Ashton and Cayden Penfield; great-grandchildren, Haley, Madison and Payton Ross, and Noah Crane; and her sister, Sharon McGraw.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her infant son, Cornell Helwig, and her infant brother, Cornell McGraw.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth, 295 Lake Shore Drive E., Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be held in Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III, McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cornelia’s memory to the Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY.