MIDDLEBURY — Helen Toomey-Covey, 64, of Middlebury, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones at her home on Feb. 4, after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.

Helen was born Aug. 8, 1958, to John and Jean Toomey of Fort Edward, N.Y. “Hon” as she was soon nicknamed (due to her sweet disposition), was raised in a large, close-knit family. As a child, Helen enjoyed spending precious time with her parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings on McDonald Street in Glens Falls, N.Y., where she was always surrounded by love and laughter. Helen was a 1976 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

Helen later attended and graduated from the College of St. Joseph’s in Rutland, Vt., where she studied Human Services. While at the College of St. Joseph’s, Helen met a group of friends that she would remain close with for the remainder of her life.

In 1985, Helen met the love of her life, Eric Covey, and the couple soon married. Helen and Eric put down their roots in Middlebury, where they would go on to raise their daughter Kelly and son Casey. Helen found great satisfaction in her work as a pewtersmith at Danforth Pewter, where she spent more than 33 years. While at Danforth, Helen developed strong friendships with many of her colleagues who she cherished deeply.

Helen, always the creative one in the family, had a lifelong passion for cooking, gardening, and sewing. Although she loved these activities, more than anything else Helen enjoyed and prioritized spending time with family and friends. She always looked forward to summer vacations on Cape Cod, family reunions in Maine/New York, or traveling elsewhere to visit those she cared so much about. Helen was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to many.

Helen was predeceased by her parents John and Jean Toomey, her in-laws Bud and Marge Covey, her sister-in-law Jane Toomey, and her close friends, Andy Willig, Cindy Beaulieu and Tom Thornton.

Helen is survived by her husband Eric Covey; daughter, Kelly Covey (Eric Ohnmacht and son James); son, Casey Covey (Kylie Leach); sister, Collette Molloy (Peter); brothers, Jack Toomey (Antoinette), Michael Toomey (Patty), and Patrick Toomey (Leslee); brothers-in-law Alan Covey (Wendy), Laird Covey (Marcy), Mark Covey (Judy), and numerous treasured nieces, nephews, close friends, and precious pets Violet, Jager, Dozer, and Balthazar.

Calling hours will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 17, at Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 18 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Middlebury, with a celebration of life to follow at the Middlebury College Kirk Alumni Center until 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s memory to Addison County Home Health and Hospice or Elderly Services Inc.

Arrangements under the direction of Sanderson Funeral Home. Online condolences at: www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. ◊