Helen Brown (2022)

Helen Brown was a gifted educator and benefactor who got things done with plenty of grace and a warm smile. Born in 1923 to Vincent and Sabina (O'Reilly) Golden, she graduated from Girls High School in Brooklyn; from St. Joseph's College (Bachelor’s); from St. John's, Columbia, and Fordham Universities (Master’s); and from SUNY Albany (PhD).

            Early in her adult life, she moved to Greenville, residing a mile north of the town line on Rt 32. At GCS, she taught 7th and 8th grade history for 20 years before serving as guidance counselor for another 16 years. She was active in starting the teachers’ union at GCS.

            Outside of school, Helen led the drive to urge National Bank of Coxsackie to open a branch in Greenville, where no bank had previously existed.

            She was a strong motivator in the growth of the Greenville Library, often investing her own money for books and supplies. She generously gave to her church. Residing in the Town of Westerlo, Helen sat on the town zoning board and helped acquire books for the library in Westerlo.

            She helped support the renovation of the Potter Hollow Schoolhouse and, before her death, donated 39 acres of her land to the Greenville Boy Scout Troop.

            All of this was accomplished while caring for her invalid husband. She passed away in 2017.

 - by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian