Helen Allmuth Ayer died peacefully on May 4, 2019, surrounded by her family. Death finished the job that dementia began nearly 20 years ago.
Before she had to engage with dementia, Helen was a vibrant and energetic member of the many communities in which she lived.
She was a graduate of Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in home economics and she lived for a year in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before marrying John Ayer whom she met at Cornell. Together they built a life that included children, dogs, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
They lived in Philadelphia where Helen became a Phillies fan, then moved to Manlius and Cazenovia before finishing their journey together where it all began in Ithaca.
Helen sang in the church choir, led two Girl Scout troops, sold advertising for the Cazenovia Republican, and ran for mayor of Cazenovia before female politicians were a “thing.”
Helen and John made it a point to visit every continent and traveled across Asia on the Orient Express. She was ready for every adventure, every crossword puzzle and every book that came her way.
Helen was predeceased by her parents Dorothy and Frank Allmuth and her husband, John L. Ayer. She is survived by her four children Elizabeth Ayer (Ed Macaulay), John A. Ayer (Kristen), Carol Mugglin, and Lori Dumais (Glenn). In addition, she is survived by 10 grandchildren, Kate, Lynsay, Casey, Alec, Lauren, Erika, Andrew, Brett, Sarah, and Derek. She was also lucky enough to meet and enjoy time with her five great-grandchildren, Lucas, Abigail, Natalie, Max and Mae.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Helen’s honor to the Cazenovia Children’s House, 2757 Route 20, Cazenovia NY 13035. There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cazenovia.
