Helene (Hylick) Ortiz passed away suddenly on January 9, 2026. She was born on June 27, 1959 in The Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late George and Catherine (Dorsey) Hylick. Helene was a devoted mother, waitress, and bartender at restaurants in the Hudson Valley, best known as the bar manager at Spanky’s in Poughkeepsie, NY. Throughout her career, she was best known for how much she simply just loved to love people; especially her coworkers and customers. She was the kind of person who could engage in conversation with anyone that crossed her path. Time with friends and family was everything to her and she especially loved the time she spent with her children, both when they were young and as adults. 

Helene recently relocated to Lockport, NY, to be closer to her daughter. She always enjoyed cooking for parties and family gatherings. Helene loved music, concerts with friends, and spent much of her time listening to WDST. She was often successful in winning radio contests to attend concerts on many occasions. She cherished her many adventures with her cousin, Frank Slazer, often with his family. A self-proclaimed sun-worshipper, Helene was happiest lying outside in the sun. She loved the outdoors, especially being a part of anything that involved swimming. 

Helene is survived by her daughter Madison Ortiz (Steveen Haro); grandson Logan Ortiz; cousins Frank Slazer (Robbie Stapp); Alex Slazer; Natasha Slazer (Paul Marcoux); great niece Emma Slazer; her dog, Goliath and best friend Stacie Long and many others. She was predeceased by her son, Matthew Ortiz and older brother, Georger Hylick. 

Calling hours will be held at Christ the King Church in New Paltz, NY on Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 4:30pm, followed by a memorial service in her honor.