Obituary of Helen Rowe

Helen Rowe, 86, formerly of Olean, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ December 8, 2016 in her home in Houston, Texas surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Born December 4, 1930, in Olean, she was the daughter of Olive (Polly) Stephan and Frank J. Eisert. On November 6, 1954 she married Robert Rowe, who predeceased her September 10, 2010. Helen was a graduate of Olean High School and Mercyhurst College and completed her graduate work at St. Bonaventure University. Olean was her home until she relocated to Houston to be near her daughter Mimi in 2014. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary's of the Angels Parish in Olean. Helen was a very popular teacher who loved her students. She taught for many years at both Allegany High School and Olean High School. Later she taught at Olean Business Institute until her retirement. After her retirement, she spent most of her time volunteering for many nonprofit organizations including Meals on Wheels, Interfaith Caregivers, Olean General Hospital and at St Mary's of the Angels Parish where she chaired the funeral luncheon committee and served as a Eucharistic Minister where she delivered Communion to hospitalized patients and to many shut ins. Additionally, she served in the Stephen Ministry. She also was an active member of the YMCA until she was 84. She was most known for her dedication to her family and for her good heart and willingness to be helpful to all in need. Surviving are two sons, Mark (Joan) Rowe of Boca Raton, Florida, Glenn (Patricia) Rowe of Charlottesville, Virginia; three daughters, Karen (Rick) Fohl, of Olean and Lancaster, Mimi (John) Peacock of Houston, Texas, Corinne Kerley of Plattsburg; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren, a brother William (Marie) Eisert of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Eleanor Watts, Annabelle Doggett, Mary Jane Kinney and her brother Richard Eisert as well as her son in law Jay P. Kerley. Friends will be received at Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels on Saturday August 12, 2017 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, at which time a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held. The Rev. Gregory J. Dobson, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany. Arrangements under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State Street, Olean. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.