Obituary of Helen F. Provo

Helen Provo, 98, of Syracuse died May 25, 2012 at Francis House, surrounded by her children. Helen was born in Lake Placid, NY and was chosen Miss Lake Placid during the Winter Olympics year of 1932, an honor her children never tired of mentioning. In Syracuse, Helen worked at Utilities Mutual Ins. Co. at Niagara Mohawk, married John Provo (d. 1965), raised four children and lived in the same home for 68 years. Helen was a great source of strength and support, not only for family but for older friends. Until giving up her driver's license at age 91, most of her daily efforts were in service to the needs of others. Helen is survived by her children, Nancy Skahen, Suzanne Jacobs, Linda Conneely (John) and Joe Provo (Catherine Mazza); four grandchildren, Tary Simizon (Michael), Martin Skahen (Kate), Amy Handley (Michael), Christopher Jacobs (Julie Kruger); and seven great-grandchildren, Maggie, Clare, Kerry, Caroline, Charlie, Nicholas and Evan. Helen is also survived by her sisters Therese McDonald and Catherine Hegeman and by four nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Mary McDonald and brother William McDonald. Calling hours will be at M. B. Clark, Inc. Funeral Home, 2310 Saranac Ave., Lake Placid, NY, Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Hillcrest Ave., Lake Placid, NY. Rev. McAvoy will officiate. Burial will follow at St Agnes Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to "Light a Candle" on our website and share a memory, story and prayer at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com Donations in Helen's name may be made to the Syracuse Rescue Mission, 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse, New York 13204 or to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13208