Helen Caracciolo Hendrickson

Gansevoort – Helen Caracciolo Hendrickson, 95, formerly of Schenectady, entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 14, 2023, after a brief illness.
Helen was born in Schenectady, the daughter of Francesco and Rosalia Caracciolo. She attended Riverside School and was a 1946 graduate of the former Nott Terrace High School. As the youngest child of hardworking immigrant parents, Helen realized the importance of education, and continued her studies at the College of St. Rose, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. During her high school and college years, she worked at the Carl Company in the yarn department helping to pay for her education, and where she developed her love of knitting and crocheting. Helen was an accomplished chemist in her field and had a long and successful career at KAPL; it was here that she met her beloved husband, Chuck, working alongside each other on the same team. In addition to her career, Helen was a loving and nurturing mother; instilling kindness, respect, and empathy in her daughter. Helen was a master at knitting and crocheting; she shared her self-taught art with anyone who wanted to learn. She crafted many gifts for those she loved and especially favored creating afghans, socks, and baby gifts. Helen was a woman of strong Christian faith, who was beloved for her compassion, quiet acts of kindness, and generosity. Above all else, Helen was her family’s caregiver. She sacrificed a lot so she could devote herself to the well-being of those in need. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony’s Church, a life member of the Sacred Heart League, and a Venerini Associate.
Helen’s daughter is grateful for the care, compassion, and dignity shown to her mom, by her doctors, the nurses, and the staff at The Home of the Good Shepherd in Wilton and Community Hospice of Saratoga.
Helen was predeceased by her husband, Charles W. Hendrickson; siblings, Vincenza Esposito, Florence Caracciolo, Louis Carach, and Mary Jo Zizzi.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Mary E. Hendrickson, of Saratoga Springs, and her dear and treasured friend of 90 years, Mary Matricardi Pratico; several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 am from the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Anthony’s Church, Seward Place. Entombment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, from 9-10:30 am.
Contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to St. Anthony’s Church Restoration Fund or Community Hospice at communityhospice.org.