Helen Ming Tseng of Ithaca, NY, passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2022 at age 55. She was born in Syracuse, NY in 1967 to her Taiwanese parents, Fung-I Tseng and Ming-jy Chiu. She grew up with two sisters in Pittsford, NY and was the unique one-of-a-kind middle sister. She graduated from Pittsford Mendon High School in 1985, and received her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Buffalo in 1989. In 2000, Helen found her true passion when she attended and graduated from the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She was a Licensed Massage Therapist in Ithaca for over 20 years, specializing in Thai Massage. She also taught massage therapy classes at Cornell University for many years.

Helen lived in Ithaca for 22 years and raised her wonderful son there with much love and devotion. She lived an unconventional life and danced to her own beat. She was a passionate, creative woman and caring mother. She loved to be innovative, constantly painting, drawing and exploring life to its fullest. She had a deep love of nature and the outdoors and often enjoyed hiking, camping, and swimming. One of her passions was paddling and competing with the Ithaca Dragon Boat Club where she formed many close friendships. Recently, Helen was involved in forming the Sue-Je Lee Gage Residency which supports Social Justice and Human Rights projects. She was a free spirit who enjoyed travelling across the country and across the globe visiting Alaska, Montana, Texas, Japan, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Taiwan and more. Helen especially loved dancing, throwing parties, and celebrating life.

Helen is survived by her son Dakota Tseng and her two sisters: Florence Chung and her husband Peter and Vania Tseng and her husband Christopher Radtke as well as her nephews and niece: Ryan Chung, Nick Chung, Ruby Radtke, and Rocco Radtke.

Helen will be forever remembered for her huge heart and her selfless and caring spirit. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed from the deepest depths of all our hearts. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held on Saturday, June 18th at the Cass Park Pavilion (by the Children’s Garden) in Ithaca at 5:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ithaca Dragon Boat Club (checks payable to IAAA, P.O. Box 4016 Ithaca, NY 14851;non-deductible) or the Sue-Je Lee Gage Residency (Attn: Annette Levine 232 Valley Rd Ithaca, NY 14850 or at sunlitresidency.com) or a charity of your choice.

“I am open to what the universe has in store for me.

I embrace the new information & knowledge coming

To me with open arms.

I am love, abundance, happiness & joy.

I draw to myself the same likeness”

Helen Tseng, May 2022