Helene M. House – 66 – Of Salt Lake City, UT, formerly of Hornell, died Sunday, April 26th, 2020, in Salt Lake City, UT, surrounded by her family following a courageous struggle with Frontal Lobe Dementia.
Born in Meadville, PA on December 2, 1953, she was the daughter of Henry & Lena (Feleppa) Turek.
Helene grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School. She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1971). For 30 years, she was employed as a member of the Federal Civil Service, working with the United States Air Force. While with the Federal Civil Service, Helene received numerous awards for Outstanding Performance in the secretarial & administration fields.
Raising her children while a member of the Federal Civil Service, Helene lived & traveled throughout the United States and around the world. Throughout her lifetime, she enjoyed traveling, hiking and had a deep love of animals, especially her many dogs & cats.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry & Lena Turek.
Surviving are her children, Jeff (Vera) House of San Antonio, TX and Katie (Sam) Schindler of San Antonio, TX; 3 sisters, Patricia (Bob) Murray, Alberta Janousek and Theresa Turek; 2 brothers, Luke (Susan) Turek and Steve (Janean) Turek; her grandchildren, Mia House, Mateus House, Masen House and Travis Schindler; along with several nieces & nephews. Helene also held a special place in her heart for her former husband, Donald House, as well as her mother-in-law, MaryAnn Leon; her in-laws, Ron House, John House and Kathy House Wright.
At Helen’s request there will be no calling hours. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held at the convenience of the family.
Local arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Helene’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620.
Thinking of Alberta and siblings at this sad time
My sincerest condolences for Helene’s family.
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Helene for the time she was at CADRE and the LeMay Center. A true professional with a great sense of humor, always helpful, and an infectious can do attitude. I’m truly saddened to know she is gone. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed
I graduated with Helene and we went through Sr high school together. She was a friend to all and was one of the kindest people in our school. She always had a smile and zest for life. It saddens me that she has passed away at such a young age, as she was so full of life and personality!! My condolences to her family and friends!!!
I’m grateful that your presence touched my life, Helene. You were a doer — NOT a talker. You introduced me to gravy & fries at the Texas Hot. It wasn’t until H.S. that I appreciated — perhaps because of our Christian education together at St. Anne’s — your empathy, compassion and ability to remain vivaciously true to yourself despite peer pressure. You were easy to like. You had a down-home walk about you that spoke of a comfortable self-trust for taking life in stride. Rebels — you, the fearless one — taught me to both recognize and seize the gifts inherent in accepting adversity. Remembrance of you is a gift that keeps on giving.
What a loss of a beautiful spirit. Helene and I became instant friends 62 years ago at 4 yrs old in our driveway on Maple Street, so she was my first and oldest friend. Our paths continued on and intertwined through our adult years, although we were in opposite countries at opposite times. There’s not enough space to relay all the adventures we shared growing up; everything possible that two bold girls could explore.
Helene was kind, caring, compassionate, funny, open-hearted, and best of all authentic. I sensed her few years prior to the diagnosis of this vicious disease were her best. She was well provided for by Alberta and Theresa, as she deserved. My condolences to all her family.
Rest in peace Helene; you are in my prayers.