Obituary of Helen K. Ingerson

Ingerson, Helen K. Irondequoit: Helen K. Ingerson, recipient of U. S. Sailings most prestigious award, the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy, passed away on August 25th. She was the daughter of the late Geraldine and Marion Knapp. Helen was born on October 24, 1922 in West Winfield, NY. She was Valedictorian at West Winfield High School, received a BS degree from Cornell University of Home Economics and an ME degree from the University of Rochester. She was the Nutrition Advisor and Director of the Dietetic Internship at Eastman Kodak Company for many years. She taught at the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University and was the Chief Dietician at Rochester General Hospital and later the Assistant Director of Dietetics at Strong Memorial Hospital. Her late husband, Joseph P. Ingerson, introduced her to his love of sailing and, next to him, it became her greatest passion in life. She was an active member and officer of Rochester Yacht Club, and with Joe, initiated the Platinum Point Yacht Club in Punta Gorda, Florida, where she served as Commodore. Helen was known world-wide for her commitment and dedication to the sport of sailing. She was a competitor, a Senior Race Officer and Judge for US Sailing, an International Sailing Federation Judge and a leader of other sailing organizations including the Great Lakes Yacht Racing Association. She was highly recognized as a pioneer for women in sailing, running racing clinics for women, and being at the forefront at the inception of women's events such as the International Women's Keelboat Championship, the Women's Open and the Adams Cup at the national level. In 1996 she was awarded U.S. Sailings most prestigious award, the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy, for her outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing. She has earned her place in sailing history. Helen is survived by her sister, Mrs. Marjorie Barron, of Punta Gorda, FL, her sister-in-law, Sarah Knapp, of Linwood, NC, her sons, Terrence (Betty) Ingerson of North Rose, NY and Charles (Joyce) Ingerson of St. Mary's, GA, her daughter Joanne (Arnold) Boughner of Oxford, MD, six grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Her family will receive friends Wednesday 4:00 - 7:00pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Hwy South). Funeral service and interment will be held in private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rochester Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program or the Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association.