Helen K. Westover-Shimansky

Helen K. Westover Shimansky, of Medina, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, March 3, 2025 at the age of 77 after a long illness. Born Helen Luchetti on July 12, 1947, she was adopted at the age of 2 and lovingly raised by her parents, Anthony and Katherine Spampinato of Harrison and Yorktown Heights, NY. She was a 1965 graduate of Ladycliff Academy. Helen was a gifted pianist and studied piano at the Westchester Conservatory of Music. She made her living teaching private piano lessons and as a church organist in Dutchess County, NY, where she also taught music and religion in local parochial schools. A passionate student of theology, philosophy and history, Helen also studied at Pace University, SUNY New Paltz and Marist College. A lifelong advocate for right to life and adoption causes, she was a founding member of Stop Planned Parenthood in Poughkeepsie, NY. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and in later years became a Third Order Carmelite.

Helen leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Ken Shimansky; her three children, Richard Westover of Stamford, CT, Kimberly Kennedy of Medina, NY and Alison Smith of Bryant, AR; as well as four grandchildren, Quinlyn Westover, Alison “Ellie” Westover, Jack Johnston and Matthew Kennedy. Helen is also survived by her sister, Kathy (Claude) Preece of Mount Kisco, NY. She will also be missed by many other extended family members and friends.

A Requiem Mass will be held on Monday, March 10 at 11:00AM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Medina.