Helen Doland, Millbrook passed away peacefully on October 13 ^th 2021. Helen was a long time Dutchess County resident having lived in Millbrook and Staatsburg for most of her life.
Helen was born in Sharon CT on April 15 ^th 1930 to Ernest and Charlotte Kading. She graduated Millbrook Central School in 1948 and Krissler Business School in 1949 with a degree in Secretarial Science.
Helen married James W. Russell on June 27 ^th 1954 and was happily married for 23 years until Jim's death in 1977. On May 3ard 1980 Helen married Walter J. Doland and enjoyed another 33 years of marriage until Walters death in 2013.

Helen managed the Corner News Store in Millbrook from 1951 through 1953 while her brother John Kading the owner, was performing Military service. She continued working there as a Bookkeeper and Sales clerk until 1966. Her next job was as the Millbrook Village Clerk and Treasurer a position she held for two years. Helen then settled into her career job with the United States Postal Service as a distribution window clerk a position she would hold for the next 22 years before her retirement in 1990. While working in the Millbrook Post Office Helen took on added responsibility by covering for the Postmaster during his absences as well as going out on her own and running the Stanfordville Post Office as the officer in charge.

Helen was always active in her community taking on leadership roles in several diverse organizations such as Past Master of the Washington Grange #878, Past Matron and Secretary of the Dover chapter #576 order of the Eastern Star. She also was secretary of the Millbrook Little League and long time Secretary of the Pomona Grange and member of the Germania of Poughkeepsie. She was an active member of these organizations for over a half century. Helen loved her church, enjoying the fellowship and support of the Lyall Memorial Federated Church for more than 80 years. Beside these official positions Helen was a steadfast volunteer stepping in whenever she was needed. She volunteered at Sharon Hospital as a greeter, was very active with the American Cancer Society receiving numerous awards for her time and talents she put forward to fight Cancer. Helen was most proud that the Russell Family raised the most money three years in a row from 1992-1994 in the yearly Cancer Walk-a-thon. Helen would also deliver Meals on Wheels and read to the elderly at an assisted living facility during her lunch breaks from the Post Office.
Helen was also an avid scrapbook enthusiast her collection of news articles and pictures successfully captures over a half a century of small-town life in Millbrook mostly through articles from the Millbrook Round Table. Helen's husband Jim's professional photographs taken of Millbrook in the 60's and 70's were preserved by her and have since been donated to the Millbrook Historical Society. Helen was always thinking of ways to help the community which is why when Jim passed she donated his photography equipment to Millbrook High School in hopes of inspiring future generations into the art of photography. Helen had a true zest for life she loved to laugh, play the organ, sing and especially dance the Polka with her Brothers. She also had a silly side playing harmonica in a Hillbilly Band and doing humorous skits at Grange meeting. Helen always had a kind word for everyone and was loved by young and old alike. Helen opened her heart and her house to all, which is why many of her kids friends to this day hold her in the highest esteem with one saying simply she was "the Best of the Best". Helens emotional strength and resolve in the face of life's adversity was a shining example to all and allowed her to enjoy her life to the fullest.

Helen is survived by her two brothers Henry Kading of Verbank and John Kading of Clinton Corners. In addition, her three sons Robert Russell of Clever, Missouri and his wife Linda, Thomas Russell of the North Clove and his companion Tina Kruse, and Jay Russell of Clinton Corners and his wife Carlene. Helen also loved her grandchildren who also survive James, Mathew, Melissa, Daniel, Erin, Zachary, Patrick and Megan. Helen was also blessed with six Great Grandchildren Corbin, Melody, Maddox, Logan, Amelia and Blair.There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Lyall Memorial Federated Church on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 4:00 pm.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org . Arrangements are under the direction of Allen Funeral Home Millbrook NY.
For condolences, please visit www.hudsonvalleyfuneralhomes.com