Helena Lancaster Kelley Root

Helena
Lancaster Kelley Root
Mrs. Root, 88 years old, of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully on January 8, 2006. Helena was born in Southern Pines, NC on August 28, 1917. She was the eldest of five daughters born to Hazel Beck Kelley and Thomas Armsby Kelley. She married Ralph Eaton Root on June 14, 1943. Ralph died in 1986.
Her two children, Thomas Eaton Root and his wife Maude of Charlotte, and Jane Pope Root of Venice, CA, survive her. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Major Thomas E. Root, Jr., currently serving in the US Army in Baghdad, Eliza Reford Root of Chapel Hill, Jennifer Noriega, and Christian Root, both of Venice, CA; and great granddaughters, Anna Bausum of Fort Carson, CO, and Leanna Helena Manjarrez of Venice, CA. She was cared for wonderfully at home for the past six years by her good friend and nurse, Francisca Alobwede.
Helena had an extraordinary life, full of adventures. She traveled extensively around the world with her husband and enjoyed playing the piano and singing in her youth. Helena was full of life, ready for anything, and loved greatly by her friends and family. She lived in Charlotte since 1986 where she was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Helena made this world a much better place and she will be greatly missed by us all.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, January 16, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be given to Metrolina Association for the Blind, Christ the King Center in Charlotte, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
'Mom, you did a great job. We know you loved us so greatly, and we loved you so very much. Rest in Peace with our Lord Forever.'
Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements.