Obituary of Heline D. Testamark

Heline D. Testamark, 74, a resident of Utica, NY transitioned to her new journey on May 19, 2022. On November 27, 1946 in New York, New York, Mr. & Mrs. Allewyn and Marie Testamark gave birth to their daughter, Heline. Educated in the New York City school system, after her high school graduation she hit the ground running working for one of largest financial companies, American Express. With the encouragement of family and friends, Heline made the decision to further her education and career opportunities by attending Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. As a student at Bethune Heline pledged and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and received her Bachelor’s degree. During her time in Florida, she met and married Willie Hannah and from that union they had one son, Andre. When it was time for the next journey, Heline and Andre returned back to New York, New York where she once again exhibited her strength and resilience and took many jobs to support both her and her son. Knowing that she had to find a career that would provide for them both, Heline enrolled in Fordham University in the Bronx studying in the educational field of social work. After obtaining her Master’s in Psychology / Social Work MSW, Heline began her new career working for the New York City Department of Social Services, where she learned how to manage and develop individuals who desperately needed her guidance without letting it affect her feelings towards others. Heline, a faithful and devoted member of the Catholic Church, exhibited her unselfishness with her fellow parishioners at the church she attended in Manhattan. Always a smile and kind word to all, and being a true NY’er – she would walk for miles as her daily exercise, so that smile and those kind words touched many a soul. When she took a few moments for herself, she learned how to crotchet, travel to new and extravagant places, no cement or grass ever grew beneath her feet. With her strong sense of self, she gained many true friends which time could never replace but she realized that she still had yet another journey. In 2011 Heline retired from New York City Department of Social Services and relocated to what true NY’ers call Upstate but is actually Central New York to be close to her son and his family. And that was and still is an amazing journey. To cherish ALL of Heline’s journeys are her son, Andre (Roxann) Testamark; grandsons: DaQuan (Adryanna) Testamak, Dominique (Dionne) Cook and DeAndre (Cassandra) Preaster and nine great-grandchildren; cousins, Jennifer Harrison and Mario Perkins; best friends: Jerrie Rufus, Strody Johnson, Shirley Smith and Marcy Rogers. Heline was predeceased by her parents, Allewyn and Marie Testamark. The family would like to acknowledge with their greatest appreciation to all the family and friends who have reached out during this time of grief.