Helen (Nick) Ries

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she was the first daughter of the late John and Pauline (Stiene) Nick. Helen lived in Ridgewood, Queens before moving to Cape Cod nearly seven years ago, closer to her son.

Always a city girl, she loved NYC, particularly Manhattan, where her work life began. Before her retirement, Helen was the bookkeeper and office manager with an accounting firm and later, an orthopedic surgeon’s office.

As a teenager, she was an excellent artist, although she never thought so. Helen graduated with Arista honors. Besides being studious, she appreciated a good joke, sharing many of her own. Helen loved to laugh.

She was also an adventurer who enjoyed travelling to new areas and her European roots. Helen was always learning, whether it be words, places or solving mathematical problems.

She resided in Brookdale Senior Living. Helen proofread all the written material that was posted there. Her knowledge was vast. And she could tell you the capitol of every state! It was no surprise to her friends that she was great at Trivia. She won so many Trivia chips, that her nickname became “Chippie”.

Helen was a very kind and dignified woman, building community wherever she went. She was a member of the Ridgewood Library Board in Queens and was installed in the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. In 1997 Helen received the “Citizen of the Month Award” in Greater Ridgewood.

Twenty-five years Helen was the docent at the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house, The Vander Ende Onderdonk House in Queens. There she gave tours and educated the 4th grade classes from surrounding schools every year, on the Onderdonk family home and history. As a board member she also participated in hosting their annual Holiday and Christmas History event.

Helen will be deeply missed by her surviving daughter Diane J. Ries of Fishkill, NY, her son Robert Ries of Forestdale, MA, her granddaughters Haley and Katelyn, great-grandson Benjamin, and sister Mildred Angerhauser of Fort Lauderdale.

In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Helen’s life with a donation to Catholic Charities https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/. Helen’s final resting place is St Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale L.I., N.Y. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Doane, Beal & Ames in Hyannis, MA.

For further information please contact dbafunerals@dignitymemorial.com