Author: Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — Karlene Frances Salyers, lovingly known to friends as “Bobbie,” passed away on December 15, 2024, in Glens Falls, New York, at the age of 79. Born on February 10, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Karlene spent her early years in rural Appalachian Kentucky, where she developed a deep bond with her mother, Flossie Lou Jordan, despite the challenges of an impoverished childhood.

After graduating high school, Karlene married and began a journey that took her from Hammond, Louisiana, to Ohio, and eventually to Saratoga Springs, New York. Following the end of her first marriage when her son Kirt von Daacke was a toddler, she pursued higher education and earned a degree in studio art from Skidmore College. A few years later, she remarried and moved to northern California before divorcing again. As a single mother in Silicon Valley, Karlene transitioned into a successful career as a writer and marketing executive in the tech industry.

In the 1980s, Karlene lived in Utrecht, traveled the continent widely, and cultivated a lifelong passion for European culture, particularly French art and culture. By the 1990s, she made the Saratoga area her home once more, what she called a homecoming to reconnect with her alma mater. Her cosmopolitan experiences stood in stark contrast to her Appalachian roots but reflected her resilience and determination to create a life filled with learning and exploration, particularly in conducting genealogical family research. 

Karlene reconnected with her extended family in later years and cherished these bonds deeply. Despite declining health in recent years, she found comfort in the companionship of friends and neighbors in Ballston Spa. She is survived by her son, Kirt von Daacke of Virginia.

In honor of Karlene’s memory, donations can be made to Skidmore College to support her wish for a scholarship program for women pursuing art degrees: https://www.skidmore.edu/advancement/ways-to-give/index.php. May her memory inspire those who knew her.

WILTON — Robert John Michael Helenek, 78, passed February 4, 2025. Calling hours are February 10 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated February 11 at St. Clement’s church, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Margaret Vogel Keefe, born on August 28, 1942 at Saratoga Hospital, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Wesley Health Care Community.  She was the daughter of the late Clarence J. and Gwendolyn (Hodges) Vogel.  

Margaret was a graduate of the former St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga Springs in the class of 1960.  She worked for New York Telephone Co. until their closing in 1964.  She later worked at Saratoga Hospital until her retirement in 1996.  

Margaret enjoyed various types of needle arts and participated in numerous craft shows in the area for many years.  She also enjoyed cooking dinners for the residents of Shelters of Saratoga once a week, as well as creating themed baskets for their annual fund-raising silent auctions for several years.  She also enjoyed running the kitchen for the annual snowshoe races for Winterfest and Camp Saratoga for many years.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Andrew E. Keefe in 2013, her sister, Carryl J. Calvert, her nephew, Keith M. Calvert of Lutherville, MD and her lifelong friend, Judith Hughes Callahan.  

Survivors include her stepdaughter, Patricia Keefe (Ted Hidde) of Saratoga Springs, NY.

At Margaret’s request there will be no calling hours.  Burial will be held on Thursday February 6, at 11 a.m. in St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Memorial contributions in Margarets name may be made to St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs Outreach Program. 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Harry Houghton Love was born on June 29, 1930, in Little Falls, NY and passed away on January 28, 2025.  Burial will be at the family plot in Lake Pleasant, NY in the summer.  Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Saratoga Springs — Patricia A. McManus,77, entered “Eternal Life” 2/2/2025. Her only child, Scott, was by her side. She was married to Warren R. McManus, for nearly 56 years before his passing last April. Calling hours were February 5 at Burke Funeral Home, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com