Jeanne Bickelman

Jeanne was the youngest of three sisters born to Cornelius Helme and Sarah "Sadie" Julia (Hopkins) in Terryville, LINY.  As a Mayflower descendant who grew up in a historical house built by colonial founders of several Long Island towns, e.g., Terryville, Miller Place, one imagines that life would pleasantly unfold for this gentle and kind person.  Life however had other ideas. First married in her early 40s, she was abandoned with a son, Lawrence, who was 95% deaf, hyperactive, and had severe learning disabilities.  Only a few years older than he, I recall that he was curious, engaging, and had a contagious and thoroughly genuine smile.  That changed when, at age 7, a neighborhood 'friend' set him on fire.  Burned over 70% of his body, Larry was traumatized, but could not receive care because of his deafness and disabilities.  As he became more hostile and dangerous, possibly even criminal, Jeanne's ability to manage her and his affairs diminished.  After her landlord evicted her, a 'bag lady' and hoarder, her family could no longer find much less care for her.  I fear such a tale is too often repeated in this "Naked City."