Helen Elizabeth (Janes) Patti

June 12, 1932 – March 2, 2026

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Helen (Janes) Patti, age 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on March 2, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Though dementia touched her later years, her warmth, gratitude, and gentle spirit never faded.

Born June 12, 1932, in Woburn Sands, England, she was the daughter of David and Muriel (Gilby) Janes. She graduated from Totley Hall Training College of Housecraft and taught in England before continuing her career in Montreal and Vancouver, where she also studied computer programming.

While visiting Lake George, Helen met her husband, Jerry Patti, and they married in 1968. Helen worked in the Registrar’s office at Skidmore College for almost 30 years and earned her bachelor’s degree there in 1977.

Forever the athlete, she continued hiking, biking, dancing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, tennis, and brisk daily walks. Helen was also a magician: “Magic Patti,” delighting audiences with humor and charm and teaching the art of magic to children for decades. She was devoted to English Country Dance and continued dancing into her 90s.

In her final years, Helen was cared for by a devoted group known as “Team Helen.” She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brothers, and is remembered by dear friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Burke’s Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Helen’s magician family will honor her with a traditional “Broken Wand Ceremony” beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Helen’s wishes were to be cremated, with a portion of her ashes scattered among the islands of Lake George, reuniting with her husband, while the remainder will be interred with her parents in England.

Please read the full obituary: www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

All people die, but not all people live. Helen lived!