Mrs. Helen M. Pakenas, age 86, of Herkimer, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Friday evening, March 12, 2004 in Valley Health Services surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on September 5, 1917 in Middleville, a daughter of the late William and Clementina (Dzierowski) Brown and received her education in Middleville schools. She was a graduate of the Utica School of Commerce. On September 16, 1939 she was united in marriage with Peter G. Pakenas in Middleville. He passed away on June 5, 2003. The couple enjoyed a close and loving union of 63 years. Her last professional association was with the New York State Department of Transportation in Utica retiring in 1982. She was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer. Helen was very active with the Village of Herkimer Senior Citizens. Mrs. Pakenas was motivated and inspired by the factors that were centered around her family life. She willingly shared hospitality, humor, and her love with all who entered her home. Over the years, she developed many close and meaningful relationships with her friends and the members of her family. Her dedication to family values were the most significant and meaningful priorities in her life. Those who were fortunate enough to have known her were blessed. No one will be able to replace her ability to tell a good joke, bringing tears of laughter to your eyes as she did. Helen will be dearly missed. She leaves a son, William Pakenas of Knoxville, MD, a daughter, Cindy Fuerst and husband David of Poland, a brother, Henry Brown of Utica, four grandchildren, Peter Pakenas and wife Betsy, Paula Cardea and husband Bob, Christopher Slocum and Lynn Slocum, four great grandchildren , Will, Paige, Colton, and Dylan, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Anne Berner and Jane Slusarz and two brothers, William Brown and Stanley Zacek. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Monday, March 15, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9p.m. Helen's funeral will commence at 9:15a.m. on Tuesday morning from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10a.m. from St. Francis de Sales , N. Bellinger St., Herkimer where the Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor, will celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial. She will be laid to rest along side her husband Peter this spring in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. Memorial contributions in Helen's honor may be made to the Hospice Care, Inc. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family would like to offer their thanks to all the people from Hospice Care who so generously gave of their time and love in caring for her. Also the caregivers, especially Bonnie and Carolyn at Valley Health Services who offered the family much comfort. Members of the Village of Herkimer Senior Citizens will gather at the funeral home at 3 p.m. on Monday evening to pay their respects to Helen.