ARGYLE--

Helen Durkee McWhorter, 93, died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Pleasant Valley Infirmary after a long illness.

Born June 12, 1917 in Argyle, NY she was the daughter of the late Willard and Emma (Crosier) Durkee. Helen graduated from Argyle High School in 1934.

She married W. Wallace McWhorter May 27, 1944 at the Argyle United Presbyterian Church. They shared 58 years together until his death in 2002.

Helen started playing piano at the age of six and became the pianist for the Durkeetown Barn Dances while in high school. She was church organist for many years for the North Argyle United Presbyterian Church, the North Argyle Community Church and the Kingsbury Baptist Church until retiring in 1999.

Helen and Wallace were part of the Promenaders square dance group who danced at the 1964 and 1965 New York World’s Fair and the New York State Fair. They also worked together for over 50 years in the operation of McWhorter’s Orchard as well as providing special care for their son, Paul.

Helen was an excellent seamstress and was known for her hand braided rugs. She was also well known for her flower gardens, apple pies, and Grandma’s strawberry jam.

Besides her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by an infant sister; and her brother, John Durkee.

Helen is survived by her four sons, W. Paul McWhorter of Argyle, Dr. Philip McWhorter (Linda) of Greenwich, Conn., Mel McWhorter (Kerrie) of Argyle, Douglas McWhorter (Susan) of Lexington, NC; and one daughter, Ruth Rodriguez (Rafael) of Argyle; 14 grandchildren: Jeremy McWhorter, Dr. Peter McWhorter (Lindsay), Megan McCallen (Glenn), Steve McWhorter (Marie), Michael McWhorter (Shelly), Kim Woodward (Ben), Josh McWhorter (Courtney), Candice McWhorter, Gwen McWhorter, Abby Laub (Jeff), Kate McWhorter, Justin Rodriguez, Sgt. Evan Rodriguez, and Alec Rodriguez; two step-grandchildren, Curt Walker, Jr. and Aubrey Rossignol (Dennis); seven great-grandchildren, Caleb McWhorter, Zachery McWhorter, Cayden McWhorter, McKenna McWhorter, Devin Smith, Alexis Smith, and Helen McWhorter; three step-great-grandchildren, Autumn Walker, Trace Walker, and Justice Rossignol; three nieces, one nephew, and several cousins.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10 am, Saturday, July 31, 2010 at the North Argyle Cemetery.

Memorial Services will follow at 11 a.m., Saturday, at the Argyle United Presbyterian Church, Main St., Argyle, with the Rev. Stephen McLean, officiating. Friends and family are invited to a reception following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to: Pleasant Valley Infirmary, Activities Department, 4573 State Route 40, Argyle, NY 12809 or to the Argyle Emergency Squad, Inc. 248 Pleasant Valley Rd., Argyle, NY 12809.

To the staff at the Pleasant Valley Infirmary, thank you not only for Helen’s care over the last six years, but also for your care and compassion to us as a family especially during the last two weeks. It was truly appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen McWhorter (Durkee), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.