Helen L. Acor

Helen Louise Acor passed away at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY on March 7, 2026. She was born to Clarence and Clara (Young) Acor in Waterloo, NY on July 1, 1944. She was proud to be a “summer baby” and loved being outside in the sun. Helen spent her childhood on the farm with her four older siblings, brothers, Sonny, Bob, Freddie, and sister, Shirley. She shared fond memories of pretending to drive the tractor, helping her mommy and daddy with chores, squirting milk to the barn cats, and playing with her dog, Sandy. As an adult, she lived for many years in the family care home of Emma Lovejoy in Trumansburg, NY., and loved Emmie as family.

Helen worked for Challenge Industries in Ithaca, NY for over 40 years, where she earned the nickname, “Steam Engine,” and won many awards for her hard work and dedication. She took pride in earning her paycheck, being independent, having a well-kempt appearance, and taking good care of her apartment. She especially enjoyed a good cup of coffee, rides to see the fall colors and Christmas lights, coloring, getting her nails done, wearing polo shirts, watching her “stories” on TV, and singing and dancing along to oldies music. She was an avid bowler and gardener in her younger years. Helen's life was marked by resilience and the quiet strength she displayed in the face of her challenges. Her journey may have been different, but it was no less meaningful.

Helen had a playful spirit and could always be counted on for some good-natured teasing and one-liners. Until the last days of her 81 years, she was still lighting up the room and making people smile every day. Helen generously expressed her gratitude for family, friends, and every day given to her by her Lord. She knew she would be with her family and other loved ones again in Heaven. She was a special, pretty woman whose light will be lovingly remembered and missed by many. She was pre-deceased by her parents, siblings, nephew, Ralphie, and Emmie. She is survived by her friends at Cedar St. IRA in Watkins Glen and the previous Grover Murray IRA in Ithaca, nieces, extended family, and close friends.

A memorial service in honor of Helen’s life will be held on March 29, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Bangs Funeral Home, located at 209 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850. All who knew her are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of a woman who, despite obstacles, lived with dignity and forged bonds that will endure. Her cremated remains will be privately interred in the family plot alongside her parents in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Waterloo, New York.

I don’t know why He made you with sweet and mischievous smile

I don’t know why He chose me to love you for a while

I don’t know why He gave you that twinkle in your eye

I don’t know why He decided it was time to say goodbye

Now your time here is over, my days with you are done

And I know how dear you touched my heart and made my life a better one.