Condolence: I had Mrs. Dickens as my fifth grade teacher many years ago at Maple Street Elementary School. She was certainly memorable. I remember an extremely angry woman who yelled and screamed a lot. I remember a woman that physically grabbed me by my arm and yanked me out of my seat because I was daydreaming in class. I remember a woman who belittled me in front of the entire class for asking for a second slice of pizza when our class was having a pizza party by saying that I must not get enough to eat at home. I wish I had better memories of elementary school, but the ones she made are the ones that are seared into my memory.

Condolence: As the first anniversary of Helen's passing approaches, we are remembering her and the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence: Mrs. Ruffing (Dickens) was my 3rd grade teacher many years ago at Maple Street School in Hudson Falls. She introduced our class to Cuisenaire Rods (colored wooden blocks, each corresponding to a specific length and numerical value). “Playing" with these blocks was a fun way to present basic math concepts and opened the door to understanding more complex math formulas. It was a program designed to let us work individually and at our own speed. I remember being excited to go to school each day because I felt so challenged at being able to more forward at my own pace in an area that I had so much interest. Mrs. Ruffing always made herself available to answer any questions we had. She gave me one of the greatest gifts a teacher can give to a student…providing the tools and support necessary to be able to experience the joy and excitement of learning, while at the same time presenting the possibilities of how to learn beyond a conventional classroom setting. Mrs Ruffing was an amazing teacher and I was very fortunate to have been influenced by her at such an early age. My sincere condolences to her family.

Cassandra Dorvee Waterman

Condolence: I would like to express my sympathy to the Dickens' and Ruffing families at the tremendous loss of this wonderful and lovely lady , who had such a positive effect on the young lives of so many . She will always be remembered fondly in our hearts . May God Bess You All .

Condolence: My deepest sympathies to the family. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Condolence: Jerry, Larry and family.Sorry for your loss.My condolences to you and your family.

Condolence: Dear Ron & Family,

We are thinking of all of you today and wish we could be there for you. Helen will always be in our hearts and minds and will never be forgotten. We will always cherish the times we had together at home in New York and Florida. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Bill & Bonnie

Condolence: Dear Ron,
I think you know that I have been thinking of you and Helen and praying for you both for a long time. Since Helen's death I have been praying especially that you are finding comfort and purpose in your family, friends, and faith, as you remember the years with Helen with gratitude and joy recollected. Please know that you remain fondly in my thoughts. Helen and I spent many hours together serving the Hebron Camp, the presbytery, and the Hudson Falls church, and I treasure those memories. She has already been much missed, but she will not be forgotten!

Condolence: So sorry for your loss. She was one of the nicest people I have ever met and I am grateful that I had her in my life at such a young age. She was my favorite teacher and I always looked forward to getting there to see her each and every day. She made each and every one of us feel special. She was such a positive person. She will be missed.

Condolence: I am so saddened to hear of Mrs. Dickens passing. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
I was fortunate to have had her as both my second and fifth grade teacher! She made learning a fun and joyful experience and I am blessed to have known her.
Our world will be a little less bright without her in it, but the Heavens will certainly shine!