Helen L. Tobey

Helen L. Tobey (Francisco), 98, of Elmira (born in Caton, NY) died on October 26, 2022 of natural causes.  She was pre-deceased by parents, Roy H. and Ethel Rounds Gridley, brother, Kenneth R Gridley, sister, Marjorie E. Thomas and son-in-law, David A Dawes.  Her husband of 58 years, Lyall G Tobey, died in 2003.  She married her high school sweetheart, John C. Francisco in 2004.  John died in 2006.  Helen is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Karen and Charles McGuire of Florence, MT, Shirley and John Helm of Mechanicsville, VA, Anne and Scott Learn of Dudley, NC, John’s daughters and their families: Carolyn Mergler with James Miller and Beverly and Wayne Caudill of Ohio.  Her adored grandchildren are Hannah Dawes and Alexander Helm.  Also surviving is her sister, Barbara Essler of Owego, NY.  Helen was grateful to her many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends for all of their love and support throughout her life.

Helen was a member of Caton United Methodist Church, Caton, NY and an affiliate member of Westside United Methodist Church, Elmira, NY.  She was a graduate of Northside High School, Corning, NY and Buffalo State Teachers College, Buffalo, NY.  She was a long-time member and past president of the Arnot Ogden Auxiliary and an active volunteer for many years.  One of her passions was her interest in education, including teaching.  She was at one time a member of the Elmira School Board.  She was sustained by her interests in music, reading and gardening.  Her lifetime gardens were sources of refuge and strength.  Their beauty and bounty were enjoyed by many throughout the years.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Caton United Methodist Church in Caton, NY.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Her cremains will be interred in Elmwood Cemetery in Caton, NY.  Memorials may be directed to the Caton or Westside United Methodist Churches or to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Foundation.  To leave online condolences, please visit olthof.com.