RENSSELAER Helen M. Nolan died Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at the home of her daughter, Kathleen Nolan-Merksamer in East Greenbush. She was born in Carthage, N.Y., the daughter of the late Sidney and Frances Downey. Helen was employed for nearly 34 years as secretary to the press secretary for Governors Wilson, Rockefeller, Carey and Cuomo. She was previously employed in the New York State Senate. Mrs. Nolan was a special friend to several veteran's organizations. She loved animals and gardening. She was a communicant of the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capitol Hill. Helen was the wife of the late Joseph Nolan and is survived by a daughter, Kathleen (Daniel) Nolan-Merksamer of East Greenbush; special grandmother of Christopher J. Nolan of Portage, Wis.; sister of Francis Downey of Albany. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Historic Church of St. Mary. Interment will follow in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont.