Obituary of Helen I. Kish

Bath, NY - Helen Irene Kish, August 3rd 1936 - October 30th 2011. Helen was the only daughter of four children born to the late Asa and Florence (VanCise) Woodford in Montour Falls, NY and grew up in Odessa, NY. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1954 and moved to Bath where she worked for Gerich furniture store as a secretary and for Warren Abbey Credit Bureau. In 1956 she decided to further her natural talent for beauty and attended Delcadeer Cosmetology School in Elmira. She was then employed by Verona Kish's Beauty Shoppe in downtown Bath where she met her future husband of 51 years, Arnold Kish, they were married on August 27th 1960. She was an exceptional Hairdresser for 41 years at the same Beauty Shop before she retired in 2001. She was a very active member of Saint Mary's Parish, Knights of Columbus and Charles E. Wescott Post 173 American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed singing in the choir and was excellent at everything she did. Helen may have been of small stature but she had a very large heart and touched everyone who came in contact with her. Helen was called home by God on the morning of Sunday October 30th at Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her husband Arnold Kish, son Joseph Kish, daughter Barbara (Donovan) Lawrence; granddaughters, Kristina (Tim) Calafiore, Amy Jo and Margaret Lott; great grandchildren, Timothy and Abrianna Calafiore and her brother Bob (Carol) Woodford. Predeceased by her brothers Bill and Chuck Woodford. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Arc of Steuben, Route 54, Bath, NY. Calling hours will be at Fagan's Funeral Home Today, November 2nd from 4-7. A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Helen at Saint Mary's Church on Thursday November 3rd at 10:00 am followed by a gathering at the American Legion in Bath.