Obituary for Helen Cynthia Archer
Obituary
Helen C. Archer was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Gloria and Samuel Nightingale on August 2, 1941. She was the first of two daughters, the older sister to Marie. After a short but courageous fight against the coronavirus, she died on January 30, 2021.
Helen attended elementary school at PS 70 in Brooklyn, where she grew up with her loving family and friends. She attended Franklin K. Lane High School, also in Brooklyn. She further pursued her education and acquired a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1963. After graduating, she worked as a 2nd grade teacher at the Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School in Bayshore, Town of Islip, New York.
Helen was married to Alonzo Archer for a period of time. Their union resulted in two children, Tracy and Sean Archer. She lovingly raised her children as a single parent while working full time.
Fueled by her passion for working with children, Helen went on to earn a Master of Science in Education from Saint John’s University in Queens, New York, on June 5th, 1977. She then went to work for the New York City Board of Education as an elementary teacher at PS 274 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. On February 1st, 1986, Helen earned her New York State Reading Teacher certification. She received numerous accolades and recognition for her dedication to educating children. Helen was well liked and former students would reach out to her to thank her. After serving 46 years in education, she happily retired in 2009.
Helen was a devoted friend to many, with her friendships stretching back to her grammar school, high school, and college days. Her friend Barbara recalls how at age four, they would stand on opposite sides of Macon Street, calling out, “Can you come over to play?” Alas, they were not allowed to cross the street unaccompanied by an adult, but despite this considerable obstacle, they became and remained lifelong friends.
She touched everyone she met with her ready smile and warm embrace. She cherished her friendships and kept in touch via phone calls and social media. That’s right! Helen was on Facebook and loved to share pictures of family and friends.
During her retirement, Helen spent her time with friends. She enjoyed meeting with them and going to restaurants, museums, and other social events. On multiple occasions, she visited her son, Sean, and his family in South Korea. Helen loved to read and was a member of book clubs. She liked to grow plants and flowers in her yard, and during the holidays, she enjoyed decorating the house.
Helen has touched many lives and will be missed. Her cousin Cecile reflected on her loss: “I learned more life lessons from Helen than she ever realized.”
Those who share in the loss include Helen’s younger sister Marie and her partner Augustine; son Sean, his wife Eun Seol, and grandsons Aaron and Liam; niece Jennifer, her husband Gilbert and grand-niece Julia. Helen’s daughter Tracy Q. preceded her in death.
Helen’s legacy lingers in the hearts of those she has touched—a bevy of relatives, associates, and many dear and valued friends.
We are sorry to see you go because we loved you so much, but God loves you best. We will truly miss you and your beautiful spirit that reflects God’s love. Until we meet again.
Lovingly Submitted, Your family
Helen C. Archer was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Gloria and Samuel Nightingale on August 2, 1941. She was the first of two daughters, the older sister to Marie. After a short but courageous fight against the coronavirus, she died on January 30, 2021.
Helen attended elementary school at PS 70 in Brooklyn, where she grew up with her loving family and friends. She attended Franklin K. Lane High School, also in Brooklyn. She further pursued her education and acquired a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1963. After graduating, she worked as a 2nd grade teacher at the Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School in Bayshore, Town of Islip, New York.
Helen was married to Alonzo Archer for a period of time. Their union resulted in two children, Tracy and Sean Archer. She lovingly raised her children as a single parent while working full time.
Fueled by her passion for working with children, Helen went on to earn a Master of Science in Education from Saint John’s University in Queens, New York, on June 5th, 1977. She then went to work for the New York City Board of Education as an elementary teacher at PS 274 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. On February 1st, 1986, Helen earned her New York State Reading Teacher certification. She received numerous accolades and recognition for her dedication to educating children. Helen was well liked and former students would reach out to her to thank her. After serving 46 years in education, she happily retired in 2009.
Helen was a devoted friend to many, with her friendships stretching back to her grammar school, high school, and college days. Her friend Barbara recalls how at age four, they would stand on opposite sides of Macon Street, calling out, “Can you come over to play?” Alas, they were not allowed to cross the street unaccompanied by an adult, but despite this considerable obstacle, they became and remained lifelong friends.
She touched everyone she met with her ready smile and warm embrace. She cherished her friendships and kept in touch via phone calls and social media. That’s right! Helen was on Facebook and loved to share pictures of family and friends.
During her retirement, Helen spent her time with friends. She enjoyed meeting with them and going to restaurants, museums, and other social events. On multiple occasions, she visited her son, Sean, and his family in South Korea. Helen loved to read and was a member of book clubs. She liked to grow plants and flowers in her yard, and during the holidays, she enjoyed decorating the house.
Helen has touched many lives and will be missed. Her cousin Cecile reflected on her loss: “I learned more life lessons from Helen than she ever realized.”
Those who share in the loss include Helen’s younger sister Marie and her partner Augustine; son Sean, his wife Eun Seol, and grandsons Aaron and Liam; niece Jennifer, her husband Gilbert and grand-niece Julia. Helen’s daughter Tracy Q. preceded her in death.
Helen’s legacy lingers in the hearts of those she has touched—a bevy of relatives, associates, and many dear and valued friends.
We are sorry to see you go because we loved you so much, but God loves you best. We will truly miss you and your beautiful spirit that reflects God’s love. Until we meet again.
Lovingly Submitted, Your family