Madeline Helmer Fagan, 95, a lifelong resident of Herkimer, died peacefully on September 2, 2016, surrounded by her children. Madeline was born in Frankfort, on February 19, 1921 and was the first child and only daughter of the late Howard P. and Bessie Francisco Helmer. Madeline grew up on the family farm in Kast Bridge and received her early education in a one-room schoolhouse, progressing so quickly that she was admitted to ninth grade at Herkimer High School at the age of 11. After high school, she attended what was then Albany State Teachers College, receiving a bachelors degree in education in 1942. She taught school in Margaretville, New York, for a year before marrying Malcolm M. Fagan in August of 1943. They were married for exactly 62 years before Malcolm's death on their anniversary date in 2005. Madeline and Malcolm raised four children: Keith, Diane, Sara, and Brant. In the early 1960s, Madeline returned to the classroom at Herkimer High School, first as a substitute and later full time as a teacher of English. She also went back to school herself, taking classes at night and ultimately receiving a masters degree in education from SUNY Oneonta. She retired from teaching in 1983. Madeline was a member of the First Baptist Church of Herkimer for more than 75 years and served the church as a deacon and in many other capacities. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family and was especially fond of New Harbor, Maine, which she visited every August from 1961 until 2015. She was also a devoted sports fan. In her early years, she supported the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, while in later life she was an avid follower of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics. Madeline is survived by her four children; her brother, Howard P. Helmer, Jr.; eight grandchildren, Sean Fagan, Meredith Affleck, Kara Fagan, Kellen Affleck, Emily Fagan Drum, Adeline Fagan, Maureen Fagan and Natalie Fagan; two daughters-in-law, Rita Fagan and Mary Jane Abt-Fagan; a son-in-law, James G. Affleck IV; a sister-in-law, Vilda Helmer; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Madeline will be held on Saturday, October 15, at 2:00 pm at Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Patricia Lawrence, former pastor of the First Baptist Church of Herkimer, will officiate. Calling hours will be on Saturday morning in the funeral home from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Donations in memory of Madeline may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org). Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Saturday, October 15, 2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Memorial Service Fenner Funeral Home Saturday, October 15, 2016 02:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350