Helen Louise McCombs- Bracy

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Helen Louise McCombs-Bracy, born to John Bland and Myrtle Alice McCombs on September 1, 1940, in Staten Island, New York, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024, in her hometown of Staten Island, surrounded by her loving family. Helen’s early education was at PS 17 and PS 23, and she later graduated from Curtis High School. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a degree in nursing from the College of Staten Island, where she earned her credentials as a Registered Nurse.

 Helen began her remarkable career in healthcare at Willowbrook Developmental Center as a direct care worker. After earning her nursing degree, she worked at several hospitals, including Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Maimonides Hospital. Her dedication to nursing allowed her to travel the world as a traveling nurse, providing compassionate care to patients from all walks of life. Helen culminated her career as a Nurse Practitioner and served as the Director of the clinic at Bellevue Hospital, where she made a lasting impact on both her colleagues and patients. Even after her formal retirement, Helen remained the family’s go-to nurse, offering her expertise and care for years. In retirement, Helen continued to touch lives, working alongside her sister-in-law, Gloria, at Jacob’s Ladder Daycare for nearly 15 years.

 There, she was affectionately known as “Grandma Helen” by the children she cared for, leaving a lasting legacy of love and kindness. 3 / 3 Helen was a woman of faith, attending Shiloh AME Zion Church as a child, later joining Mount Sinai, and most recently, becoming a member of Delaware Valley Baptist Church.

 She leaves behind her youngest daughter Brooke Bracy, her grandson Dashaun Bracy, granddaughter Chelsea Perchiano, and great-granddaughter Daeyonna Lee. her beloved brothers, Barry McCombs and his wife Denise, Donald McCombs and his wife Gloria, their children Shawnae, Lakiesha, and Tizshonda, Helen was predeceased by her daughter Kimberly Lewis, her son Derek Bracy (who passed away just four days after her on August 13, 2024), and her longtime partner Frank Rocco her siblings Charles, Denise, Barbara, Gloria and Shirley. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Helen was an avid reader, loved cooking, and enjoyed playing trivia games and solitaire. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, traveling, and shopping. Her warm spirit, compassionate nature, and dedication to her family and profession will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Memorial Service A memorial service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at Mount Sinai United Christian Church, August 20, 2024, 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to [Charity Name], in Helen’s memory.

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