Helen C. MONROE

Helen C. MONROE, 89, of Canandaigua, NY, formerly of Wellsville, passed peacefully Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Light Hill Comfort House, Canandaigua, surrounded by her loving family. Born March 24, 1936, in Silver Springs, she was the youngest daughter of George and Anne Grady Crichton. 

Helen grew up in Wellsville and was a proud graduate of Immaculate Conception School and Wellsville High School (Class of 1953). Helen went on to attend and graduate from DuBois Business School in 1954. She was employed by Sinclair Oil and First Trust Union Bank where bank members would patiently wait in line for a chance to do some banking while chatting with her. She was welcoming to all and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone. 

On November 18, 1961, Helen married the love of her life, Lawrence F. Monroe. This union, a testament to what marriage, love, and friendship should be, left a lasting impression on their daughter and grandchildren. Helen and Larry enjoyed many years together until his passing on February 6, 1995. 

Helen was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Wellsville before moving to the Rochester area to be closer to her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Helen enjoyed playing both social and duplicate bridge and was an active participant in many bridge groups over the course of the last 60 years. 

Spending time with her family and friends brought her immeasurable joy. Helen had an incredible knack for surrounding herself with people who loved to laugh. She was often teased for "holding court" at family events and had a way to turn a phrase that would result in laughter and the creation of "Helen-isms" collected over the years by her daughter and granddaughters. 

Whether you called her Helen, The QM, GiGi, Peanut, Lambie Pie, Mima, Granny, Mrs. Monroe, Aunt Helen, or Mom, know that she loved you deeply and unconditionally. 

Helen is survived by her daughter, Karen (Tracy) Shay of Canandaigua; two granddaughters, Kelly Meredith and Alison (Kyle) Soller; four great-grandchildren, Kaelyn Meredith, Gavin Keenan, Grady Soller, and Whitney Soller; brothers-in-law, Richard Lynch and James Monroe; sisters-in-law, Kaaren Monroe, Sue Monroe, Patty Lyman, and T.C. Gary; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren. 

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents George Alois and Anne Grady Crichton; siblings, John (Elaine Kirk) Crichton, Gean (Robert) Thurner, Patricia (James) Walsh, Maureen Lynch, and George A. Crichton III; mother and father in-law, Carolyn and Cleo Gary; and brothers-in-law, Robert (Doris) Mingus, Gene Monroe, and Wayne "Satch" Gary. 

Friends may call at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 11:00 – 11:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Ave, Wellsville. Helen will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. 

At Helen's request, memorials may be made to Light Hill/Canandaigua Comfort Care Home, Inc. at www.lighthillhome.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.