Obituary of Helen C. Gilchrist

Diamond Point: Helen C. Gilchrist, 100 years old, of Lake Shore Drive, passed away peacefully, Friday, June 5, 2009, at her home. Born October 2, 1908 in Tully, she was the daughter of the late William Smith and Ida May (Brown) Coye. Helen graduated from Groton High School in 1925. She went on to graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1928 and taught PE at the Stillwater Central School for six years. She married her high school sweetheart, Paul Gilchrist in 1932. The couple began their careers in real estate sales and construction in Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach, FL from 1935-1944. Purchasing the King Estate in Warrensburg in 1941, they then owned and operated Gilchrist Manor and Manorettes in Warrensburg until 1965. They also purchased and developed the Woodbury Estate in Diamond Point, building the Sand n’ Surf Motel, Sandpiper Restaurant and the Gilchrist Marina, that continues in operation to this day. Her beloved husband, Paul passed in 1971 after 29 years of marriage. Her brother, Lee Coye also predeceased her in 1982. Helen leaves behind her two children, Heather Jones and Paul Gilchrist; her grandchildren, Jill and Kenneth; and four great grandchildren, William, Lilly, Dale and Dereck. A graveside service will be conducted 11 am Thursday in the Warrensburg Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Paul. There are no calling hours scheduled. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book and condolences.