Helene Miglierina

Helene Miglierina, 81, died peacefully on Sunday, March 29 surrounded by the love of Charlie, her husband of 60 years and daughters, Linda and Jane by her side.

Helene spent her childhood in New York City, growing up in Greenwich Village with her parents, Andy and Mary Badaracco, along with her extended family. Helene met her future husband at her grandfather’s grocery store on Bleeker Street where their magical relationship blossomed into a strong and special partnership and marriage of unconditional love. In 1966, Charlie’s job at General Electric brought them to Camillus. Moving from a city apartment, their first house became their home for over five decades where their neighbors and lifelong friends became part of their family. Helene was an incredibly loving and dedicated mother to her daughters, Linda and Jane and taught them to embrace life through her example. Travel, music, food, family and friendships were important parts of her life. Family dinners, neighborhood parties, family road trips with the grandmothers, trips to Italy to visit relatives and travel adventures with Charlie created special memoires.

Helene also worked as a volunteer coordinator for the Syracuse Symphony and Everson Museum of Art. She especially enjoyed the symphony and opera. In later years, she volunteered at St Joseph's Hospital and Francis House.

Helene embraced life, living every moment to the fullest. Helene’s fun, spirited personality and love of life shone through and filled us with joy. She brought beauty to people’s lives. Whether it was the food she cooked, the clothes she wore, or the care she took in the way she made friends feel so welcomed and special, she did it with grace and generosity. Helene was also a fighter, and her courage, hope, optimism and strength were an inspiration to others.

For the past ten years, known as Mimi, nothing was dearer to her heart than her vibrant granddaughter, Helen.

Helene is survived by her husband, Charlie of Brookdale, Manlius, her two daughters, Linda, of Brooklyn NY, with husband, Abdul and daughter, Helen and Jane of Manhattan, NY with her partner, Clint, along with her dear cousins and friends.

We will forever miss Helene’s beautiful spirit, vibrant personality, warm smile and genuine care for others.

We look forward to having a celebration of her life at a later date with friends and family.

Contributions would be welcomed to causes close to Helene’s heart: Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 and the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.