Obituary of Helen Garland Castelli

Helen Garland Castelli

Fairport - Our most beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Helen Garland Castelli, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Born in Rochester, NY to Irma and Edward Garland on March 31, 1932. Helen is predeceased by her brother John Garland. Survived by her brother Charles (Joyce) Garland, Sister-in-law Mary Ellen Garland and survived by her children, Cathleen (Michael) McGoldrick: James (Michelle) Castelli; Jean (Mark) Brown; Daniel (Nelva) Castelli and grandchildren Casey, Patrick, Dylan McGoldrick, Nicolas and David Brown, Max and Marco Castelli and Daniel, Stephan and Marisa Castelli and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Helen was a trail blazer. She graduated high school from Nazareth Academy in 1950, and then went on to graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Food Administration in 1953. Later in life she obtained her New York State Teachers Certificate in Vocational Technical Education from SUNY Oswego. Her adventurous spirit saw her climb the Rocky Mountains, summiting Longs Peak at just 20 years old, and traveling all across Europe. Age was just a number to Helen, as she exceeded all odds throughout her life. An avid swimmer and lifeguard, Helen spent time volunteering with adults and children with special needs in area pools. She also volunteered for many years at Bethany House in Rochester, where she helped support women facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other life challenges. Helen’s dedication and commitment to helping others was recognized by The American Red Cross with a Twenty Years Award. If Helen wasn’t helping others, swimming, or traveling, you could surely find her serving as a Eucharistic Minister at Resurrection Church, reading, cross country skiing, or baking. Helen left a lasting impression of love, kindness, and faith in everything she did.

Helen was a devoted mother and cherished spending time with her grandchildren and her many groups of friends. She approached each day with a vibrant curiosity continuing to embrace and learn from what came her way. Her quick laugh, cheery disposition, and easy smile warmed the hearts of all who knew her and made her presence an unforgettable joy. Her valiant faith was unwavering, her rock and an inspiration to others. She lived each day with generous gratitude.

Helen’s spirit will live in the hearts of all of those she touched. It will live in the acts of kindness we show to those less fortunate. It will live in the smiles and laughs of memories we share. We are forever grateful for the path she taught us to follow.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to Bethany House, 1111 Joseph Avenue Rochester, NY 14621, where every woman is treated with respect and dignity. www.BethanyHouseRocNY.com/donate

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 21, 11 AM at Church of the Resurrection, 63 Mason Rd, Fairport, NY 14450. A live stream is also availbale at www.ResurrectionFairport.org.