Helen Oak
Passed Away

We are all saddened by this news.

Subject: Helen Oak


I have been asked by the President of the SCNY, to send my rememberence of Helen to you. 


"It is with deep sorrow and a tremendous sense of loss that the Cantiague Figure Skating Club announces 
the death of our beloved judge, Helen Oak. 

Helen always said yes to judging and to the skaters whom she loved.  She spent 53 years of her life giving 
of her time to her favorite sport. She was inspired by good skating, supportive of skating clubs, caring 
to young skaters, and even to up and coming judges.  She was never too busy and carried her 
date book wherever she went.  She never had an excuse.  She was always there. 

Standing on the podium at the Governing Council three years ago, she was visably nervous reading her 
prepared speach in front of 1,000 guests. There was a roar of applause by those who knew her 
or knew of her. She was humbled. 

Even when she received the LeeAnn Miele Award in Rhode Island, she came back glowing and 
excited about being honored by her peers. 

She spoke with pride about her grandson who plays hockey.  She babysat for her grandchildren. 
She often spoke of her children, her nieces and her nephews. 

Helen loved to keep busy.  Even the day before she took ill, she was out in the back raking leaves. 

The last time I judged with her, was an evening at the Newbridge Rink.  The conversation was light and cheery, 
as usual. She always sat on the left side of the room.  Most of the skaters passed.  She smiled a lot. 

Today, at 4 PM, her body stopped breathing.  The massive heart attack had taken its toll.  
There were no brain waves.   The angels came to take her home. 

Helen will be waked on Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM at the 
Walker Fineral Home, 2039 Merrick Avenue in Merrick.  

The Mass will be at Sacred Heart Church at 9:45 PM on Friday. 

I will see her smiling face sitting in the stands at Hershey, surrounded by her fellow judges at Princeton, 
sitting in the Hockey Box at American Academy, with a clip board at Mennan. She talked about going to 
Saratoga Springs, and Lake Placid, and Providence. And she was so excited that she was asked 
to Adult Nationals in Dallas this year. Every Saturday afternoon, she would disappear from a 
competition, because that was her favorite time to go to Mass.  She drove everywhere, 
and knew where all the outlets were. 

She was my mentor, my friend, my main judge, my support.  I will miss her." 


Carole Wolf