Obituary of Helen M. Baynard

Helen Melnick Baynard, 94 years old, of Lake Delta, passed away to be with the Lord on April 3, 2022 in Rockville Centre, N.Y., after a short illness.

Helen was born in Floyd on the family farm on June 22, 1927 to Peter (Petro) and Eudukia (Ida) (Dzieworonik) Melnick; Ukrainian immigrants, who came to America in 1911 and 1912 respectively. After graduating from Holland Patent High School, Helen furthered her education by graduating from a secretarial and book-keeping trade school in Syracuse and at Rome Free Academy. Helen enjoyed a long career at Griffiss Air Force Base as an office manager for many colonels in several departments.

Helen was a life-time Communicant and active throughout her life at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, where her parents were founding members. Helen was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage and traditions. As a young woman, Helen was active as a delegate to the Ukrainian-American Congress and traveled to many conferences to represent the Ukrainian-Americans in Upstate NY. Helen was president of the Altar Rosary Society at St. Michael's for many years.

Helen and Raymond Baynard were united in marriage on August 3, 1957 in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and had a joyous, fulfilled marriage for 53 years. Helen was a devoted wife to Raymond and a devoted mother to her children, Julie and Raymond. Helen inspired her family to live in love for Our Lord and reared her children to "carry-on" the Ukrainian heritage and traditions. Helen was a magnificent chef and celebrated her Ukrainian heritage with delicacies to honor holy holidays in the Ukrainian tradition.

After her retirement, Helen and Raymond always visited the New York City area to be with their children and grandchildren. Helen and her husband enjoyed traveling including special pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Italy, Poland, Canada, and sites in America. They enjoyed other travels throughout USA with the Floyd Senior Citizens Association.

Helen was an active member of the Lake Delta Fire Department's Woman's Auxiliary. Helen was an avid gardener and devoted many years tending to her home and gardens at her residence in Lake Delta and on the homestead in Floyd.

Helen is survived by her daughter and son in law, Julie and Robert Figat of Rockville Centre, NY; her son and daughter in law, Raymond and Beverly Baynard of Scarsdale, NY; ; and grandchildren, Kevin and Christopher Figat, and Trevor, Katheryn, and Gregory Baynard. Helen's surviving nieces include, Eileen Waskiewicz, Michelle Viscosi, Toni Dunn, Linda Melnick, Shirley Kelly and God-daughter/niece Charlene Favorite; nephews John Melnick, James Melnick, Richard White and Edward Waskiewicz as well as many great nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Raymond; her parents; sisters, Barbara, Maria, and Anne; brothers, Frank, Peter, John, and Charles; along with God-sons, Bruce and Peter Melnick; and niece, Janice Ivey.

Helen lived a long and prayerful life and will be sorely missed for her stories, family history and amazing relationship with Our Lord.

Helen's wake will be at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 Chestnut Street, on Monday April 11,2022 from 5 to 8 PM. Parastas services will commence at 7 PM.

Funeral of Divine Liturgy will be at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 133 River Street, Rome, at 10:00 AM, April 12, 2022 with burial at St. Mary's Cemetery to follow.

Contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and/or the Ukrainian Relief Fund.