Obituary of Helen E. Sperry

Helen E. Matson Sperry of Lakewood, NY, passed away on Easter Sunday (April 4, 2021) in UPMC Chautauqua after a lengthy illness. She was the wife of Leland W. Sperry, whom she married July 23, 1960 at the Norwood United Methodist Church, Norwood NY. Helen was born on April 15, 1940 in Potsdam, NY, the daughter of the late Almon "Bill" and Ethel Morgan Matson. She was raised in Norwood, NY and graduated from Norwood-Norfolk Central School and SUNY Canton. In her earlier years, she was employed as a dietician for the Norwood-Norfolk Central School. After she and her husband settled in Lakewood, NY, she was dedicated to raising their children as well as cared for many other children who affectionately nicknamed her "Honey". Later she was employed in the dietary departments of the former Manor Oak Skilled Nursing and Lutheran Social Services, retiring in 2002. Helen was a gifted musician and loved to cook. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She became a member of the Lakewood United Methodist Church in 1964 where she was an integral part in the dining and musical activities of the church. She organized a number of large sit-down dinners and for many years, organized and served after-church dinners for the elderly within the congregation. She also served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Coming from a musical family, Helen served as the Lakewood United Methodist Church organist for 27 years, most of the time playing the antique "Tracker" organ. She was also a member of and organist for the Mt. Sinai-Mecca Chapter, No. 132, O.E.S. for many years. Helen thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family. In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children; Debra (Russell) Confer, Spring Mills, PA, Daniel (Nancy) Sperry, Powder Springs, GA, Darcy Sperry, Burlington, NC and Darren (Fiancee, Kerry Nagurney) Sperry, Charleston, SC; eight grandchildren; Joshua (Jessica) Sperry, Jessica (Josh) Wild, Kyler, Michael, Kolton & Quentin Confer, Logan & Emma Sperry; two great grandchildren; Cade and Kinsley Sperry (and was looking forward to the arrival of her third great grandchild, Charleigh Sperry due in June); three sisters; Mary Lou (Joe) Cutler, Norwood, NY, Kathryn (Len) Donnelly, Green Valley, AZ, Linda (Chet) Cota, Norwood, NY, and one brother; William Matson, Hyattsville, MD. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on a walk-through visitation from 4-7pm Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. NYS COVID-19 regulations require masks be worn and social distancing will be observed. The funeral service will be held at 11am Thursday in the Lakewood United Methodist Church, 164 Shadyside Avenue, Lakewood, NY. The Rev. Michael Childs, pastor will officiate. An Eastern Star memorial service will be led just prior to the funeral service on Thursday. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Social distancing will be observed and masks must be worn while in the church. The funeral service will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/lindfuneralhomeinc/ Memorials may be made to the Lakewood United Methodist Church, 164 Shadyside Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or to Mt. Sinai-Mecca Chapter No. 132 OES, c/o Mrs. Ruth Ostrom, 4507 Egypt Hollow Road, Russell, PA 16345-4551.