Obituary of Helen R. Arcone-Dudley

Helen R. (Francis) Arcone-Dudley, passed away May 20, 2021, at Wingate at Dutchess in Fishkill. Born in Manhattan on July 30, 1933 to the late Robert and Sarah (Rhuback) Francis. Helen was predeceased by her brother, Arnold. Helen spent her early years in Manhattan, graduating from Roosevelt High School in NYC. She went on to find her passion for cooking and especially baking via the the NY Culinary Institute. Years later she would put this education to use by making her son’s wedding cake. Her early employment years saw her as a Supervisor at Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale. Helen eventually left this position and headed to the North Country. A loving grandmother she was an “amazing” seamstress and loved to to show off this sewing expertise by making her grandchildren’s christening gowns, as well as designing and sewing wedding dresses and prom dresses. Helen always kept busy, she loved line dancing and cooking and baking for family and friends, making her microwave potato bags, and her positive attitude helped her overcome life’s challenges through the years, including raising three sons by herself, battling diabetes and eventually dialysis. She tried to make the best of situations and move on from there. Marriage to her first husband, Joseph Arcone produced her three boys, Robert, Joseph, and Adam. She met her second husband, Richard E. Dudley, while working at Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center and they married on November 13, 1972. He predeceased her on Christmas Day1997. Once settled in the North County, Helen became a friend to Connie Thompson at the Bennet Home in Winthrop, a home for disabled individuals, went onto to help assist her friends, the Goodman's, with their children, who lovingly called her Mrs. Bubbly. All those who knew her agree the nickname fit her well. Helen is survived by her children; Joseph and Dawn Arcone of Wappingers Falls and Adam Arcone of Pleasant Valley, Robert Arcone and his wife Christine of Old Saybrook, CT, and her beloved four grandchildren Amanda, Stephanie, Joseph, and Kayla, as well as one great grandchild, Dallas. In addition to her family, Helen will be terribly missed by many friends who loved her dearly. Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 31st at 11:00 am at Winthrop Cemetery in Winthrop. Following the graveside service, those attending are invited to a luncheon at the Riverview Restaurant in Brasher Falls.