Helen M. (Woods) Petersen, 87, lifelong resident of Seneca Falls, passed with her family at her side, at Geneva General Hospital, on Sunday, May 24th, 2026. Calling Hours will be Wednesday, May 27th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Doran Funeral Home, 4 East Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 28th at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, 97 West Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Interment will follow in St. Columbkille Cemetery. Donations in memory may be directed to Happiness House or to a charity of one’s choice.

Helen was born in Seneca Falls, daughter of the late James and Valeta (Garvis) Woods. She graduated from Mynderse Academy, Class of 1956. On July 31st, 1965, Helen was united in marriage with James Petersen at St. Patrick’s Church; the couple sharing in over 60 years of marriage together.

Helen had worked for Guaranteed Parts from 1956 until 1966 before she began her career at the Seneca Falls Rec Center. She worked for the Rec center for many years, where she wore many hats and did just about every job there before retiring.

Throughout her entire life, Helen loved musicals. She also enjoyed reading and was an excellent cook. Helen was also very proud that she was raised, grew up, and lived her entire life in the same house on Mynderse St.

In retirement, Helen and Jim enjoyed escaping the cold wintry weather of NY and would spend the winter months in Fort Walton Beach in Florida. The couple did this for over 20 years.

Helen is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters, Amy Petersen of Seneca Falls, Julia (Matthew) Herbst of Skaneateles, Katie (Steve) Wright of Waterloo; six grandchildren, Makenzi Herbst of Boston, MA, Benedette Herbst of Rochester, Owen Herbst of Skaneateles, Lucas Wright of Waterloo, Kellen Herbst of Skaneateles, Lucy Wright of Waterloo; several nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her brother, Gerard Easton; sister, Eleanor Gilroy; very special aunts and uncles, Margaret (John) Balsley, and Kay (Michael) Kuryla.