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Helene Janet Bliss Horaz - Class of 1955

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 10/Dec/2025
71.223.143.162

    Helene Janet Bliss Horaz - Class of 1955

It is with profound sadness that the matriarch of our family has spread her wings to join her loving husband and the Lord.

Helene Horaz passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2025 after a short illness.

Helene Janet Horaz, known as Janet by many, was born on August 2, 1937 to the late Edna and Harold Bliss.

She attended St. Patrick's Elementary School until the 8t grade, when she started middle school at South Junior High. Helene then graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1955 while working at Windsor Building Supplies. Shortly after graduating high school, she married the love of her life Robert L. Horaz Sr - to whom she was married for 63 years.

She was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker for over ten years before working at McMillan Industries. After retiring from McMillan's she took a part time job at Dominican Sisters where she would send words of comfort to those that were suffering and grieving.

Janet enjoyed crocheting blankets for her family; especially for the newborn babies. She also crocheted in her spare time and donated blankets to local nursing homes where they were cherished by all. She was an avid reader and enjoyed trips to the library and playing games like dice, Rummikub, Sequence, and Pinochle. She also loved her puzzles, and relaxing at home watching the Mets and many different game shows. Cooking and baking were two of her favorite pastimes, along with family camping trips to PA and VT. Spending time with her family is what brought her the most joy.

Some of her fondest memories, along with our dad, were spent with her sister Marilyn and brother-in-law George. Their vacations to Arizona and country music shows were something she loved to reminisce about.

She truly enjoyed spending time with her brother-in-law Paul Horaz; whether it was a road trip to nowhere or just sitting and talking at home by the fire.

She was a soft and gentle soul with a kind heart. She was not afraid to tell you like it is, but in the kindest possible way. Her faith in God and family values were strong, and together with our dad, she taught us to love and care for our family and others always.

She is pre-deceased by her husband - Robert L. Horaz Sr., brother - Harold J. Bliss and most recently her brother-in-law - George Terry.

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memories her sister - Marilyn Terry, along with her 6 children: Sue, Patty (Earl), Margaret (Jeff), Sheila (Michael), Marilyn, and Bobby (Michelle).

She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Jason, Danielle, Brandon (Anna), Jennifer (Edwin), Amanda, Alyssa (Craig), Erin (Joe), Megan (Keith), Lauren, Heather, and Allison - in addition to 22 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

We want to offer a very heartfelt message to our sister-in-law Michelle, "the 6" daughter," who always went above and beyond for Mom, as well as her care, compassion, love, and advice. We could not have done this without her.

A special thank you to our friend and neighbor - Al Green. We will always appreciate your "check-ins" on mom and dad and lending a hand whenever it was needed. Mom always enjoyed chatting with you.

Our family would also like to thank the nurses and staff on the 4th floor of St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital. Your care and compassion for our mom was exemplary.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Monday Dec. 15th at Brooks Funeral Home - 481 Gidney Ave, Newburgh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Tuesday Dec. 16th at St. Patrick's Church with entombment following in Cedar Hill Mausoleum. - August 2, 1937 ~ December 7, 2025

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Patrick's Church, Catholic Charities, Town of Newburgh Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.