Helene Christine Craft

Claverack. Helene Christine Craft, 87, of Claverack, beloved wife of the late William Craft, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024. Born in Hudson on October 5, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Christy and Edith (Arcuri) Sacco. A lifelong resident of Columbia County, Helene grew up helping in her parents’ bar, Christy’s Tavern on N. 3rd Street. As a young girl she could often be found cooking chicken cacciatore and other Italian delicacies in the kitchen there. Helene’s mailman once dared her to take the civil service exam after she kidded him about the qualifications to be a mailman. She passed with flying colors and went on to become the Director of Administrative Services at Columbia County DSS in a career that spanned 28 years. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, beloved mother and doting grandmother who was always willing to put others first. This was often exemplified through her preparing of large family meals, baking and feeding the masses. She was quick to volunteer at her church and at PTSA meetings, often putting on spaghetti dinners with her best buddy and partner in crime, Eleanor Shader. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and was known to give away the scarf she was wearing to anyone who admired it! Helene’s generosity and goodwill was repaid to her when she approached the end of her life journey. Family and friends rallied to support her home and healthcare needs so that she could live out the rest of her days in the comfort of her own home, notably her cousin Nicky Sacco Brown and her devoted caregiver Sonia Vauclena. Of all the joys Helene experienced in her life, nothing compared to her devotion to her dear grandchildren. She will be forever missed and eternally cherished in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Helene is survived by her son Christy (Reta) Tiano, as well as grandchildren Ryan Tiano, Shawn Tiano, Christy Tiano and Drew Tiano and many Sacco and Arcuri cousins. In addition to her late husband and parents, Helene was predeceased by her son Ralph Tiano and his wife, Suzanne Tiano. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Trinity Parish/ St. Mary's 429 E. Allen St in Hudson on Friday May 24th at 10:30AM In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation at: givetocommunityhospice.org/donate

Helene Christine Craft

October 5, 1936 - May 19, 2024