Helen R. Firsching, 89, a resident of Heritage Healthcare Center, formerly of Deerfield, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2007, at the home. Helen was born in Utica on March 21, 1918, the daughter of William H. and Rose M. (Oster) Roehrig. She was raised and educated locally, and a graduate of the Utica School of Commerce. In the early 1940's, Helen married Robert A. Firsching in Texas. Mr. Firsching passed away in 1969. In 1950, Robert had bought the family business, J.A. Firsching and Son, Inc. Knitting Mills, from his father Joseph Firsching. The couple ran the business together until Robert's death at which time Helen successfully continued running the business on her own until her retirement in 1982. Helen felt a fondness for all animals. In their younger years, Helen and Bob greatly enjoyed caring for, breeding, and riding their quarter horses, their trotters, and their pacers, of which also raced at Vernon Downs. Helen was devoted to her church, St. Joseph ? St. Patrick's Church, and to her family, being especially close to her younger sister, Mary. In her later years, Helen appreciated so much, her special friends and caregivers, Pamela Hood and Gary Hood, Jr., who were always there for her and her family, with special recognition to Gary, Sr., as well, who predeceased Helen in 2005. Helen is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Charles A. and Elaine Roehrig, Deerfield; a brother-in-law, Edward Zacaroli, Utica; a stepdaughter and stepson-in-law, Joan and John Manley, Florida; four step grandchildren and also step great grandchildren, as well as by many dear nieces and nephews whom were close to her. Helen is also survived by special friends and caregivers, Pamela Hood and Gary Hood, Jr., by friend and neighbor, Louise Rudka, Deerfield, and by friend, Kenneth Morris, Deansboro. She is predeceased by three sisters, Mary Zacaroli, Alice Brown, and infant sister, Elizabeth; two brothers, William J., and infant brother Albert Roehrig. A memorial mass for Helen will be held on Friday, May 4, 2007 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph ? St. Patrick's Church, Utica. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Utica. There are no calling hours. Those wishing may donate to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society or a charity of your choice in Helen's memory. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. The family would like to give special thanks to Sr. Rose Vincent and the nurses who cared for her at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, also to the nurses and staff at the Heritage Health Care Center for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Helen during her stay.