Helene Jane (Van Der Wal) Bauer, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, entered into eternal rest on September 23, 2014. Helene was born on November 20, 1928 to John Van Der Wal and Adrienna Mullin. She lived in Albany all of her life, being a graduate of Albany High School and Albany Business College. Helene married Harold Karl Bauer. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage. Together they built a wonderful life for their three daughters; a God centered home filled with love and happiness. Helene was an amazing and giving person, sharing her time and talents in so many ways over the course of her life. She was, as one girl from her troop recently said, “The best Girl Scout troop leader ever!” Church was a focal point of her life and Helene served in numerous ways; multiple terms as Elder and Deacon, teaching, youth group leader, Women's Guild, Helping Hands, Worship Committee, visitation, prayer chain, organizing the best roast beef dinners and more. Helene was a doer. Before her retirement she worked for many years as the office manager for Schoolhouse Road Pediatrics. Helene loved to sew. She was a master with needle and thread; whether making clothes, or cross stitching works of art. Her family is blessed with the many beautiful quilts she has created over the years. She never just sat still, there was always needle and thread in her hand (and a glass of Pepsi at her side) even when watching her beloved Boston Red Sox! Helene loved to travel, and she and Harold had visited all 48 contiguous states and parts of Canada in their little “Pop-Up” camper. She enjoyed being a member of 'Del's Belles” bowling league. She loved games of all sorts, especially card games. Helene led a very full life. She and Harold were the best team. Adored by her children and grandchildren, Helene was dearly loved by all whose lives she touched. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to The Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Storrs, CT where Helene was given such competent and compassionate care these past difficult months. Beloved mother of Karen E. (Jon) Anger of Mansfield Center, CT, Sandra K. (James) Johnson of Lafayette, CO, and the late Nancy L. Bauer, grandmother of Evan (Jamie) Anger, Kyle Anger, Marisa, Jess and Austin Johnson, sister of the late Bartel (Margaret) Van Der Wal. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at 12:30 pm on Friday October 10, 2014 at Bethany Reformed Church, 760 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. Reception to follow at the church. Those who wish may make memorial gifts in Helene's name to the Bethany Reformed Church Memorial Fund. To sign the online condolence book, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com