Bethany Jaye Smith Helt passed away couragiously on May 15,2023 of cancer. Those who knew her would understand why she kept the diagnosis to herself.
She is survived by her son Jay-christian Paul Helt,her daughter-in-law Tina Qin Helt,grand daughters Claudia Meichen Beth Helt(best known as “Poppy”}her sister Jacquelin Haochen Jaye Helt(Lilli) and husband Daniel E. Helt.
Beth was born in Cassadaga,New York on November 12,1948 to R. Halley Smith and Lenora Pattyson Smith.Her time there was spent mostly playing about in the woods or swimming in the lake and all the while waiting restlessly for a sister(Annette Smith Tang) to be born. She was so happy when that finally happened.
Beth’s compassion and her busy hands, quilting(40 plus,mostly given as gifts)crocheting (over200 pair of mittens, also given as gifts to friends and the Salvation Army)as well as cross stitch (some as gifts and a few left unfinished along with her other joys), is only a short list of how much she gave of herself, not least of course was her baking and meal skills.
She will be greatly missed by a good number of people and a vast space in life will not soon be filled by one so compassionate and willing to do so much for and have something uplifting to say to whomever her life touched.
So sorry to hear about Beth. Our sympathies to Daniel, Jay Christian and family
I feel such a void without Beth. Both Ben & Dan have been friends for over 50 years, Jay was born on my birthday. We enjoyed many camping trips, countless meals and picnics over those many years. My family shared in their Joy with Jay’s marriage to Tina and the birth of their beautiful granddaughters. Beth’s talents were many. Her cooking, especially baking was extraordinary. Her hands were always busy creating. With her sewing, crocheting & knitting she could even keep busy sitting. Giving back was always important to her. She loved nature and hiking, but she really loved people & befriended people in need. The world has lost a wonderful person in Beth, and heaven has gained an angel who will be busily make a cozy place for those of us who loved her! Until we meet again Beth!
Patty
I met Beth when she was a phlebotomist for the University of Rochester. Beth was one of the warmest and positive people I’ve met. She called me her work son because me and her biological son were born on the same day. I will miss her magnetic energy and warm smile. I offer my deepest condolences to her family.