Helen Julia Brown Luongo

OSWEGO – Helen Julia Brown Luongo (6/14/1929 – 5/25/ 2025) Our wonderful mom, Helen, was born at home in the Village of Fort Plain, NY on June 14^th, 1929 to Doris Chamberlain Brown and Luzerne  Brown during The Depression. She was one of five children (Luzerne, Alton, Alice and Avis) who all predeceased her. She is survived by many dear nieces and nephews and their progeny.

Helen was also predeceased by her former husband Ernest, two of their children, Laurence James (Nancy) and Suzanne Lynne (Stuart) and grandson, Justin James Luongo. She is survived by her loving daughters Laurie Luongo (Bob Gulian) and Elly Riley (Ken Ross), beloved grandchildren, Will (Maria Chagas) and Tess Riley, Robin Luongo (Natalie Coonie) and Noah Roach (Sky).

Helen , or Honey Bee as she was often called, was bright and athletic, loved cheerleading and jitterbug dancing as a young woman. She and her best friend Shirley loved dancing the night away at the local dance halls.

Helen was the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college – SUNY, Cortland – where she met Ernie, who later became a professor and soccer coach at SUNY, Oswego. All four children were raised on Sheldon Avenue near the college.

Helen was an active supporter of the arts at SUNY Oswego as well as The Oswego Players. She loved her Bridge Club, Figure Skating Club, tap dancing and yoga at the YMCA. She was always deeply involved in her community including The League of Women Voters, and proudly cast her last vote for Kamala Harris.

After raising her children, Helen worked for the Census Bureau before finding her passion as the Director of Rental Assistance for the City of Oswego. She was loved and respected by both peers and clients. As a child of The Depression, who did not have access to government assistance, she always wished this program had been available to her struggling family. She became a staunch advocate to those in need, whether they be her dear friends, clients or community members.

Helen was a warm, witty, strong woman with a dazzling smile. She was a feminist before she knew what the word meant.  She was an active member of the Church of the Resurrection and loved reading in front of the congregation.

Helen never lost her bright light! Her determination and principled commitment to kindness kept her strong. Her amazing caregivers, Kim Roy, Kim M and Mae Parlin helped her daughters Laurie and Elly immeasurably. They assisted while Helen was able to be cared for at home (where she resided for over 65 years) and for the past five months while at Morningstar Residential Care Center. We are also very grateful to the staff there for their kindness and commitment to her care!

There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for July 12^th, 2025 at 2:00 at The Church of the Resurrection, 120 West Fifth Street, Oswego.

In lieu of flowers please pay forward Helen’s deep commitment to community, compassion, tolerance, empathy and inclusiveness when and wherever you can.

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.