Helen L. Meineker

December 6, 1916 - February 12, 2013

Colonie-Helen L. Meineker, 96, died Tuesday, February 12, 2013, of a broken heart, in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Josephine Jankowski Smolinski. Helen retired in 1976 from the DMV. She was an avid Bridge and Bingo player, and enjoyed trips to the casinos. Helen was the wife of the late Howard J. “Duke” Meineker Sr; she was the cherished mother of Howard J. Meineker, Jr, her only child who passed away suddenly January 30, 2013; mother-in-law of Dolores “Lorie” Stramiello Meineker; beloved grandmother of Kimberly Ann Ciprioni (Matthew) and Cheryl Ann McCarroll (CDA); cherished great grandmother of Laci Cahill, Anthony Ciprioni, Nicholas McCarroll and Nathan McCarroll; sister of the late James, Frank, Mary and Catherine Smolinski and Agnes King; ‘Grandma Helen’ to the Stramiello and Hitchock families, and countless others; favorite “Chocie” of the King family, and survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and special friends. Her son Howie, went on ahead, to construct the bridge that brought her to Heaven. Funeral services Friday, February 15, 2013 at 9:30 am from the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, now located at 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capitol Hill at 10:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may Friday morning, 8:00 am to 9:30 am in the funeral home. Interment Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Helen loved children, so those wishing to remember her in a special way may send a contribution to Rosies Love-Friends of Kids with Cancer, 16 Locust Park, Albany, NY 12205. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, light a candle, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit www.LGFuneralHome.com