Helyn Constance Hyde Oscanyan

Rockville, Maryland/Palmyra, NY:  Passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 95 years of age.  Born on Friday, October 25, 1929, In Wadsworth, Ohio, Helyn is predeceased by her parents, Arthur T. Hyde and Florence Surman Hyde.  Survived by children she shared with Paul C. Oscanyan III (died May 5, 2021): Paul Kearns, William (Cathy), Patricia (Don) Peterson, Robert (Jackie) and John; nephew Tom (Melissa), 8 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Helyn proudly served as a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War era.  She taught English and history and was amused when her students skipped their classes but attended hers.  First and foremost, Helyn was a gifted writer.  As a journalist, poet and storyteller she shared what she learned and what she loved with others.  Anyone who knew Helyn knew she had open arms, an open heart, and an open mind, and she never shied away from giving all of them to everyone she met.

At age 83, Helyn retired from her career as a science writer, having worked for many years at the Hill Group in Washington, DC, attending National Institute of Health conferences and symposia focused on obesity, kidney disease, and diabetes and summarizing the proceedings for both in-house and on-line publication.

Helyn was a strong and independent woman who supported herself, and others, and who stubbornly mowed the lawn and shoveled the snow at her home in Rockville, Maryland, for decades before moving to New York State.

Helyn always said she was most blessed by having her family and we will cherish having had her as a part of our lives. Don't worry, Mom.  We'll always look out for each other, eat dessert first, remember the importance of chocolate, and take care of our dash, just like you taught us to do.