Helen C. Brown

Passed away peacefully on June 17th at the age of 102 with family by her side.

Predeceased by her husband, George H. Brown. Helen is survived by her children, Stephen (Pam Hussong) Brown, Holly (Jeffrey Clark) Brown, Jeffrey M. Brown, Susan E. Brown; grandchildren, Jessica L. Brown, Margaret A. Brown; great-grandchildren, Annabelle E. Kubrich, Harrison E. Costa, Lucas N. Costa and Farrah M. Costa.

Family will receive friends Sunday, June 22nd from 1-3PM at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 6 Empire Blvd., Rochester, NY 14609 with a service to immediately follow at 3PM. Private interment White Haven Memorial Park.

Helen was born on August 20, 1922 in Luudington, Michigan, the only child of Bertha and Charles Bark. Bertha’s parents were Norwegian and Danish and Charles’ parents were Finnish. Both came from large families, so Helen had many cousins. She saw her extended family often at various family gatherings. Helen spent many summer daus at Lake Michigan swimming and playing. She enjoyed taking walks and sledding in the winter. She loved school and going to the library. Helen had many friends to play with, but one of her favorites was her dog, Spottie. Unfortunately, he chased one car too many and he died in her arms. She attended Ludington High School and graduated in 1940, earning a scholarship in chemistry.

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor was where she studied, beginning fall 1940. She loved the area and all the culture it offered. A young man in her freshman English class (George Brown of Rochester, NY) noticed her legs in class and was interested to date her. He called up the one he thought she was and they agreed to meet at the Michigan Union. George hid behind a large plant to be sure it was Helen before showing himself. They dated steadily from then on. They enjoyed football and basketball games as well as classical concerts and dances. In early 1944 George was drafted into the army. They decided to get married before he left. Their wedding was in Ludington on February 26th. Helen continued her studies and graduated with a degree in chemistry in May. George left for Europe in late May, and Helen stayed in Ann Arbor working in a small Dow Chemical lab.

The Browns were reunited in 1946. They stayed in Ann Arbor and George graduated, then began at U. of M. Law School. Before his final year, Stephen was born on 8/31/1949 in Ludington. After his 1950 graduation, George was deployed by the army once again and the family moved to Fort Knox, KY. Luckily, he didn't have to go to Korea and he was released from the army. They moved to Rochester and in with his parents. Helen was a full-time mom and had 2 more children there. Hollis was born 2/26/1953 and Jeffrey was born 7/1/1955. It was time to find a home. They both liked the Home Acres neighborhood, especially the house at 174 Eastland Avenue. They kept their eyes on it for a year and when the price dropped to $18,000, they bought it.

The family of 5 moved in on 10/22/1955, where Helen still lives today. They loved gardening and the size of the property allowed them to plant many garden spaces - flowers, rock gardens and a large vegetable garden. They grew waxed beans, pumpkins, raspberries and tomatoes For many years Helen and George canned their own chili sauce - a family favorite. They were also patrons of GEVA Theater and the RPO.

On 9/18/1963, Susan was born and the family was complete. Helen had boundless energy. Not only did she raise 4 children, she also: ran a Blue Bird troop for a few years, sang with the Sweet Adelines barbershop group, volunteered with the Red Cross, did local conservation work, was secretary of the Retired Officers Association Ladies, worked with the Republican Party, took accounting classes, bowled on a women's league, and worked for H & R Block. She also took care of her father and mother-in-law for a few years. Helen had 7 family members in her care!

In 1978 Helen and George toured France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland with Sue and Holly. In 1983 the pair took a memorable trip to England, Scotland and Ireland. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at a surprise dinner with all of their children, spouses and grandchildren.

George passed away on February 13, 1985 at 63, leaving a grieving family. Helen soldiered on with Susan at her side. The two took many trips around the United States together. Helen and Holly took 3 wonderful trips to Scandinavia as well as Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey.

In 2018, Helen fell and broke her femur. The doctors marveled at her strong will to recuperate and get back home. When asked about the biggest change in her life, she said, "Using walker!"

Helen has always cared about her family, home, music, garden and many projects and activities. She is an energetic, positive, happy soul, who bring joy to all who knew her. Helen’s words of the day “Do it!”