Helen Cecere

Alexander - Helen "Dolly" Cecere, age 83, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

She was born on January 16, 1943 in Batavia, daughter of the late Francis J. and Louise M. Good Gilhooly.At five years old, she proudly served as the Irish mascot for the Alexander Central School basketball team, cheering on her two older brothers as they played. 

Dolly graduated from Alexander Central School with the Class of 1961 and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Daughters. In 1962, graduated from the Catherine McAuley School of Practical Nursing in Batavia. She dedicated 46 years of compassionate service as a Licensed Practical Nurse, first at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia and later at United Memorial Medical Center, where she cared for countless patients with kindness and professionalism. 

Dolly enjoyed the monthly luncheons she shared with her fellow retired nurses who were so dear to her. 

Dolly found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved. She and her late husband, Dick, enjoyed many trips to the horse races and treasured visits to The Abbey in Retsof. Summers were often spent traveling with her family to visit her sister,Mary in Interlaken. She especially loved gathering with family during the holidays, and she was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills, always cheering on her favorite team.

Her husband, Richard A. Cecere, passed away on December 27, 2020.

Surviving are her children, Richard (Melanie) Cecere of Alexander, Debra (Thomas) Irr of Attica, Jeff (Jill) Cecere of Alexander, Julie Heale of Alexander and Gary (Julie) Cecere of Bergen; fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; her sister, Mary Pell of Interlaken; sisters-in-law, Peggy Gilhooly and Carol Gilhooly, both of Alexander and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers, George and Francis Gilhooly and her brother-in-law, Donald Pell.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Suite 102, Buffalo, NY, 14226-1814 or the Alzheimer's Association , Western New York Chapter,6400 Sheridan Drive, #320, Buffalo, NY 14221.