Helen I. Rowe

Obituary of Helen I. Rowe

Helen Irene Rowe of West Henrietta, NY, mother, loving grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in Rochester, NY.

Helen was preceded in death by her son, Alan Rowe, sister, Joanne Ringquist, brother, Gordon (Skip) Van Gelder, and sister Janet Van Gelder.

Helen is survived by her son Mark (Leslie) Rowe (Honeoye Falls, NY) and daughter-in-law Cheryl (wife of Alan) Rowe (W. Henrietta, NY); grandchildren Greg (Kristin) Rowe (Gibsonia PA), Kelly Rowe (W. Henrietta, NY), Julia Rowe (Brookline, MA), Emma Rowe (Brookline, MA), and Brendan Rowe (Fairport, NY); great grandchildren Hannah Rowe, Ember Rowe, and Natalie Rowe. Also survived by half-sisters Andrea Stone, Linda Stone, and Karen (Richard) Steamer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling Hours will be at Merton Kays Funeral Home on March 14, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 pm. A memorial service will immediately follow calling hours at 4:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Kirk Baker of the First Presbyterian Church of Honeoye Falls, NY. Burial will take place later this year at Pine Hill Cemetery in Rush, NY.

Helen Irene Rowe was born in Canandaigua, NY to Gordon Van Gelder and Irene Maxon on January 23, 1938. Helen graduated from Canandaigua Academy H.S. in 1956, where she participated in field hockey, Future Homemakers of America, and the school play. In subsequent years, she enjoyed singing in a community choir. Helen worked as a title clerk and finance manager for Holtz House of Vehicles and Garber Honda for over 30 years. In her free time, Helen enjoyed birdwatching, vacationing in Cape Cod, and visits with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also was a lover of cats and always had a cat as her favorite household pet. She was an avid Buffalo Bills and Penn State Football fan. Her greatest joy was her family. Helen will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pet Pride of New York, Cat Sanctuary and Adoption Center (7731 Victor Mendon Rd, Victor, NY 14564).

The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff at St. John's Senior Living Center and the Rochester Regional Health Hospice Care Team.