Helen Winnie Oyer

June 24, 1942 – September 18, 2025

Auburn – With heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved Helen Oyer passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 83. She was surrounded by the love of her life, Husband Bernard and her daughters, Jo Ann and Jennifer.

Helen was born in Utica, NY on June 24, 1942, to Helen and George Winnie. On September 5, 1964, she married Bernard G. Oyer. In 2025, they proudly celebrated their 61 year wedding anniversary.

She graduated from Utica Catholic Academy. She also attended Cazenovia College. Helen was extremely proud to have been a member of the first graduating Nursing program at Cayuga County Community College Class of 1976. Helen earned her BSN in 1990 from Utica Rome College and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi International.

Helen was a dedicated employee of Auburn Community Hospital for 35 years retiring on June 13, 2013.

Helen was a devout Catholic and was a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Auburn NY.

She generously gave of her time volunteering at The Owasco Reformed Church teaching Vacation Bible School for over 45 years ending in 2019 and for 17 years enjoyed helping backstage at her three daughter’s dance recitals. For six consecutive years, Helen and her husband Bernie were host parents for foreign exchange students through Youth for Understanding.

Tent camping in the Adirondacks was one of Helen and Bernie’s greatest joys. Starting out with only themselves and then adding four children. Eventually they graduated to a hard top trailer then ending their camping together in a cabin.

Helen Oyer was a woman of boundless energy, unparalleled kindness and unwavering compassion. Through her journey of 83 years, she touched many lives with her caring personality and her never ending happiness. Those qualities are what made her career of nursing more of a calling from above than just a profession. Her passion of never letting a minute go to waste and her ability to brighten even the darkest of days made her a force of nature that this world will sorely miss. Helen’s radiant smile, contagious laugh, and loving spirt will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Although Helen is gone, this world will forever be left brighter by her presence.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bernard.

Helen is survived by her children Jo Ann (Rob) Murphy, Jennifer (Scott) Norton, and Susan (Don) Fairbanks.

Her cherished Grandchildren are Kierston (Gage Thorpe) Salemi, Katlin (Dylan) Sylvester, Reese Murphy, Riley Murphy, Timothy Norton, Lexington Fairbanks, Brooke Bresnathan, Brittany Oyer, Chelsea Oyer, Ceirra Oyer, and Robert (Julieanna Halstead) Murphy.

Her adored Great Grandchildren are Jace Thorpe, Kevin Thorpe, Beau Sylvester, Ashdon Oyer, Riley Middleton, Chase Middleton, and Leo Murphy.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, her son Jeffrey Oyer in 2016, and her twin Great Grandchildren Abel James Sylvester and Rosie Jo Sylvester on August 5, 2022.

Calling hour will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, starting at 9:15 am at Sacred Heart Church 90 Melrose Rd Auburn. In honor of Helen’s nursing career a Nightingale Tribute will be held at 10:15. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following with Father Michael Brown officiating, at 10.30 am.. Burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Auburn.

Farrell’s Funeral Service, inc 84 South St Auburn NY