04/06/2026
Helen Elizabeth (Janes) Patti
June 12, 1932 – March 2, 2026
Saratoga Springs, NY- Helen Elizabeth (Janes) Patti, age 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love on the evening of March 2, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, New York. Though dementia had touched her mind in her later years, Helen's warm spirit, gratitude, and gentle grace never wavered. She remained to the very end, the same positive and lovely soul so many had come to love.
Born on June 12, 1932, in Woburn Sands, England, Helen was the beloved daughter of the late David and Muriel (Gilby) Janes. Helen was raised in the Christian faith and attended Convent School, Bedford, England, graduating in 1950. She pursued higher education and graduated in 1953 from the Totley Hall Training College of Housecraft (commonly known as Home Economics). Helen first’s teaching position was at Slough Education Authority, Buckinghamshire from 1953-1958. Helen then went to the Isle of Wight for five years teaching Housecraft before bringing her talents to teach in Montreal & Vancouver from 1963-1967. Always learning, her curiosity and drive led her to take data processing and computer programming classes in Montreal in the mid 1960’s.
While vacationing in Lake George with friends from Montreal, Helen met her husband, Jerome (Jerry) Patti in Lake George and they married in 1968. They first lived in Jerry’s hometown in Akron, Ohio where Helen went to work as a computer programmer at the Ohio Children's Hospital, which was a remarkable achievement for a woman of her era.
A few years later, the Adirondacks were calling and they soon moved to the Saratoga area, and this is where Helen called home for over 55 years!
In 1970, Helen joined the staff at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, working in the Registrar's Office for almost thirty years until her retirement in 1999. During that time, she also earned a bachelor's degree in 1977 from Skidmore College, truly embodying the belief in lifelong learning that defined her. In retirement, she remained an active and enthusiastic participant in the Academy for Life-Long Learning. Throughout Helen’s life, while working or when retired, she always kept busy, going to fitness classes or gardening. Here are just a few things that kept her busy: created her own catalog to sell clothing & jams, real estate agent, sold Avon, calligraphy for hire, usher at S**C and the Spa Little Theater, and let’s not forget about her travels all over the world!
Among Helen's most delightful gifts was her passion for magic. It began in the late 1960s when she joined her late husband Jerry as his assistant during magic shows. After Jerry's passing, Helen stepped fully into the spotlight as "Magic Patti.” Crafting her own act that blended wonder with warmth and, for adult audiences, a generous dose of comedy. She even performed stand-up comedy at the legendary Caffé Lena. Her magic was never merely entertainment; it was an expression of her joyful, generous spirit.
Helen served for many years as Secretary of both Ring 186 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) and Assembly 24 of the Society of American Magicians (SAM). She introduced 100's of children to magic through her many magic classes throughout the area including the Saratoga Springs Public Library and the Enrichment program at Boces. During the summer months she was a popular feature at Canoe Island Lodge where she both performed and taught magic and served as MC for their weekly talent show.
Helen was an avid dancer, including line dance, contra dance, and English country dance (ECD). In 1989, Capital English Country Dancers started a local dance series and Helen was all in. It was her heritage and was part of English school curriculums in her youth. When the music started, she automatically remembered how to dance, and she came alive with smiles. She began traveling with dancing friends to EDC events in the Northeast, Canada, the Caribbean, and Hawaii: attending dances, balls, vacation weeks and festivals. She was a dedicated supporter of local ECD, with loyal attendance, dancing in demos, volunteering (calligraphy billboards and handwritten thank you notes to performers), fundraising (magic shows) and donations. Her happy, gracious manner and spirited energy will be remembered at our dances by all.
Helen embraced life with an athlete's enthusiasm. Hiking, biking, dancing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, tennis, and field hockey/net ball were all part of her world. She attended exercise classes at the YMCA faithfully until COVID and continued her brisk daily walks well into her later years. Her vitality was as much a part of her as her smile.
In her final years, Helen received devoted and compassionate care from a remarkable group known affectionately as "Team Helen": Patti, Darlene, Alyssa, Karen, Christine, Shannon, Courtney, Claudia, Emily, Vicci, Kathleen and Michele. Their love and dedication allowed Helen to be fully and completely herself. She will be forever remembered as "Lady Helen."
Helen was predeceased by her husband Jerome (Jerry) Patti; her parents, David and Muriel (Gilby) Janes of England; and her beloved brothers Roger Janes of England and Richard (Dick) Janes of Australia and nephew Stuart Janes of Australia.
She is fondly remembered by many dear friends who became family, including Patti, Nancy, Cliff, Jean, and the many cherished members of her English Country Dance world, her magician community, and beyond. Helen is survived by her Australian family, sister-in-law Josephine Janes (Dick’s wife), nieces Susan (Paul) Armstrong and Sandra (Craig) Long, and great nieces Rachel Armstrong and Lauren Long and nephew Jack Long, along with their families.
Helen's legacy is one of kindness, vitality, generosity, and delight. She lived an extraordinary life filled with purpose, adventure, and joy. May her memory bring comfort and warmth to all who loved and adored her. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York. 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 her with her beloved husband, Jerry, while the remainder will be interred with her parents in the peaceful churchyard of Saint Michael’s Church in England.
Helen had a very generous spirit and donated often to many causes including Wiawaka, Capital English Country Dancers, Ring 186 IBM & SAM, animal & nature related causes, and of course, education. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of one’s choice in her honor.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
All people die, but not all people live. Helen lived!
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