Helyn Josephine Pellettiere passed away on July 15, 2026, in Yorktown, New York, at the age of 77.
Born on May 31, 1949, in Yonkers, New York, she was the daughter of Benjamin and Josephine Solarz and the sister of Catherine Solarz, all of whom predeceased her. Helyn grew up in Yonkers and attended Lincoln High School, where she began building the foundation of the steady, caring, and determined life she would go on to live. She carried the values of her upbringing throughout her life, meeting each chapter with grace, resilience, and devotion to the people she loved.
Helyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Michael Pellettiere; her sons, Michael B. Pellettiere and his fiancée, Laura McCarthy, and Christopher R. Pellettiere and his wife, Sophia Pellettiere. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Thomas M. Pellettiere, Aislynn I. Pellettiere, Michael C. Pellettiere, and Arthur G. Donohue, as well as her devoted niece Jessica Gannon and her family. Her family was the center of her world, and she gave them unwavering love, support, and encouragement throughout her life.
Helyn worked in a variety of roles over the years, including one of her most notable positions with Actors' Equity in New York City. She brought dedication, intelligence, and a strong sense of responsibility to everything she did, earning the respect of those around her. Those same qualities defined her life at home. Together with Michael, she made her house a home in Yorktown, creating a place where countless memories were made. Years later, she restored a new home in Lake George. She wasn't simply decorating or overseeing the work. She was right alongside it, making the renovations, tackling projects by hand, and transforming the house into the place that would become one of the family's most treasured destinations.
Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life and helped guide her through both joyful times and difficult ones. Helyn lived with quiet strength and unwavering conviction, always placing others before herself. She treasured time with her grandchildren and found endless joy in making every holiday, birthday, and milestone feel special.
Helyn found joy in the simple and creative things that made life beautiful. She enjoyed crafts, crochet, and sewing, taking pride in everything she created. She also loved to travel, embracing new places and experiences with curiosity and appreciation. Her circle of friends was close-knit, and many became like family over the years. She nurtured those friendships with the same loyalty, generosity, and care that defined every relationship in her life.
Those who knew Helyn will remember her for her steady presence, sharp mind, unwavering standards, and boundless love for her family. She believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well, and she lived that philosophy every day. Through the home she built, the traditions she created, the example she set, and the love she gave so freely, she leaves a legacy that will continue through the generations who were fortunate enough to call her wife, mother, grandmother, sister, relative, neighbor, or friend.
Helyn Pellettiere made life richer, warmer, and more meaningful for everyone and her memory will forever be a blessing.
In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital www.stjude.org or Tunnel for Towers Foundation www.t2t.org would be appreciated.
