Helene Patlen Gordon

Helene Patlen Gordon, 93, formerly of Albany, NY, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2023 at Brooke Grove Retirement Village in Sandy Spring, MD.

Helene was born in Troy, NY, in 1930 to Jacob and Sadie Patlen. She graduated from Troy High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from New York State College for Teachers (now University of Albany) and a master’s degree from the College of Saint Rose. She worked for more than 30 years as a teacher at Albany High School. 

Helene loved to travel and spend winters in her beloved Sarasota, Florida. She was an ardent reader, and enjoyed the arts and exercise. She was an active member of Congregation Beth Emeth for 60 years. She volunteered as a librarian at the Beth Emeth Judaica Library after she retired from teaching. Before moving to Maryland recently, Helene enjoyed living at Avila for more than 11 years. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends who meant so much to her.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Adler, in 1991, her second husband, A. Edward Gordon, in 2015, and her brother, Philip “Lenny” Patlen, in 2010.

Helene is survived by her children, Mark Adler (Marcy) and Sandra Freeman (David); and grandchildren, Robbie, Melissa, Daniel, and Hannah.

Helene was a very caring and loving mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Funeral services for Helene will be held at 11 a.m. on November 16, 2023 at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd., Albany. Burial will follow in the Beth Emeth Cemetery. The funeral services will also be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting bethemethalbany.org

Those wishing to remember Helene in a special way can make donations in her name to Congregation Beth Emeth or a cause that is meaningful to you. 

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