AUBURN, Ala. - Helen Summers Acker, 87 of Auburn, Alabama, formerly of Sidney and Afton, passed away at Bethany House hospice on Dec. 4, 2020.

Helen was born to the late John and Elizabeth (Habicht) Summers on Jan. 6, 1933, in North Harpersfield.

She worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance in NYC upon graduating from Jefferson High School and took classes in math and statistics at NYU.

Helen met her future husband, Jim, in fourth grade and married him after he returned from the Korean War.

Helen raised five children in Sidney along with her husband, Jim.

She was a very active volunteer in the community and did everything from managing the American Cancer Society's annual daffodil fundraiser to facilitating school, Girl Scout and Sidney United Methodist Church activities. Helen nearly always was the homeroom mom and braved many field trips with elementary and middle school students. She was an avid supporter of the music program at Sidney High School and spearheaded the effort to purchase new marching band uniforms in 1987, which are still in use. Helen was an excellent seamstress and made many clothes, crafts, quilting squares and costumes. Her family always appreciated her wonderful cooking and had a homemade dinner every night. Helen loved to travel and one of her favorite trips was to Hungary and Austria with her husband and sister. Helen's father was from Budapest and she was delighted to see his birthplace.

Helen started developing dementia in the mid 2000s and moved with her husband, Jim, to Auburn, Alabama, in 2010, to be near family. Helen had a long journey with dementia and her family loved her to the very end. Friends and family are fortunate to be left with many happy memories of Helen.

Helen is survived by four children, Susan, Lauren (Angela), Bruce (Valerie) and Barbara (David). Also surviving are six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sister, Barbara Marusiak.

She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Jim; and eldest son, John.

A memorial service will be held at Sidney United Methodist Church when COVID-19 allows, hopefully in late spring.

Helen and Jim will be interred in Jefferson's Evergreen Cemetery.