Helen Cleveland Carnes

May 22, 2010

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Helen Cleveland Carnes, 89, died April 26, at Mark Twain Convalescent Center in San Andreas, Calif.  

She was born March 2, 1921, the daughter of Howard M. and Hope B. Cleveland. 

Helen was a native of Watertown, and graduated from The State University College at Potsdam, with a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education.  

She and her husband raised their family in Southern California.  

Helen was a devoted teacher for 25 years in Southern and Northern California.  

At the age of 65, she had a major stroke, but continued to be a classroom volunteer in her wheelchair for another 15 years. She moved to Foothill Village in Angels Camp, Calif., five years ago. 

Surviving are a daughter, Wendy Jo Palmer, Murphys, Calif.; a sister, Marion Empsall, Watertown; a niece, Leslie Empsall Rapson (Edward) of Syracuse; nephews, Frank A. Empsall III (Terri), Mannsville, Brian Cleveland (Debbie), Clayton, and Lynn Cleveland (Corby), Watertown; a daughter-in-law; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her son Gary S. Carnes; a sister, Barbara Cleveland; a brother Harold Cleveland and her ex-husband, William S. Carnes. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at Foothill village in Angels Camp, Calif.