Helen K. Murphy

Helen K. Murphy, 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Albany Medical Center Hospital, surrounded by her loving family after a battle with cancer.

She was born on March 8, 1946, in Albany, the daughter of the late Ralph E. and Blanche (Finch) Kulzer. Helen was a proud graduate of Our Lady Of Angels Grade School, Clayton A. Bouton Junior Senior High School, and the Albany Medical Center School of Nursing. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Russell Sage College.

Helen’s professional journey began as a registered nurse at Albany Medical Center, where she served from 1967 until 1989. Her commitment to patient care and nursing excellence paved the way for her to become the owner of Northeast Nursing Staff Service LLC, which she operated from 1990 to 2015. Throughout her career, Helen was admired not only for her professional skills but also for her empathy and compassion, which made a lasting impact on those she cared for.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Helen was deeply involved in her community. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Peter Gansevoort Chapter, and served as an Eucharistic minister at St. Mary’s Church. Her volunteer work with the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless allowed her to give back while connecting with those in need.

Helen's passions extended well beyond her professional life. She loved knitting, making hats for cancer patients, was an avid reader and enjoyed playing Scrabble, often engaging in friendly competition with her loved ones. She especially relished her lifetime Scrabble rivalry with her brother Dan. Helen had a deep love for music, appreciating a wide range of genres from Irish tunes to Janis Joplin. She found joy in movies, with favorites such as "Dirty Dancing" and "The Big Chill" which reflected her vibrant spirit. Gardening and expressing her creativity through various artistic endeavors were also among her cherished hobbies. She spent many wonderful hours painting with her granddaughter Rosemary.

She loved gathering her family and friends at the Berlin Mountains Fish & Game Club. The Kulzer Family Christmas Party was a highlight of every holiday season – she enjoyed time with her beloved cousins and sharing her traditional Leberklasse. She will always be remembered as the reigning Punkintown Princess.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Brian M. Murphy; her sons Kyran and Kevin (Audrey); her daughter Meaghan (Nicholas Faso); and her beloved grandchildren Joseph Kevin Murphy, Rosemary Jane Faso, and Magdalena Grace Faso. Helen is also survived by her brothers Daniel and Gregory Kulzer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave, Delmar. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 21 at 10:00 AM at Historic St. Mary's Church on Capitol Hill, corner of Pine and Lodge Sts., Albany. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery, Delmar.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, 176 Sheridan Ave., Albany, NY 12210.