Helen Elizabeth (Janes) Patti 鈥�77
Helen Elizabeth (Janes) Patti 鈥�77, a lifelong learner who brought joy, grace, and energy to the Registrar鈥檚 Office during nearly three decades of service to Skidmore, died March 2, 2026. She was 93.
Helen joined the Registrar鈥檚 Office in 1970 and retired in 1999. She held several positions over the years and was also known for her design work and calligraphy, which she contributed to several prominent College awards and honorary degrees.
Energetic, curious, and deeply committed to learning throughout her life, she completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree in English at Skidmore in 1977.
Born June 12, 1932, in Woburn Sands, England, Helen graduated from Convent School in Bedford in 1950 and pursued further study at Totley Hall Training College of Housecraft, graduating in 1953. She taught for several years and, in the 1960s, pursued data processing and computer coursework in Montreal.
While vacationing in Lake George, she met her late husband, Jerry Patti, and they married in 1968. After moving to Saratoga Springs, Helen joined the Registrar鈥檚 Office and continued her education at Skidmore.
Active in many community organizations, she was known for her performances as a magician and for introducing hundreds of children to the art of magic.
Helen is survived by family in Australia, including her sister-in-law, Josephine Janes; nieces, Susan (Paul) Armstrong and Sandra (Craig) Long; great-nieces, Rachel Armstrong and Lauren Long; nephew, Jack Long; extended relatives; and many dear friends.
Helen鈥檚 fellow magicians planned to honor her with a 鈥渂roken wand ceremony.鈥�