On October 16, 2020, Helen Marie (Romeo) Barbato entered into eternal life surrounded by her loving family at home.
Helen was born to late Catherine and Domenic Romeo on July 13, 1937. Her parents immigrated to Rochester, NY from Orti, Italy. She grew up in a loving family with her twin sisters Mae and Rose. When Helen was 17, she traveled back to Italy for three months to visit family and she credits this with learning the Italian language.
She spent her summers swimming in the sunshine with her family on Long Pond. Helen learned to sew working at her mother’s dress making studio, Kay’s Dressmaking where she earned a nickel a hem. Together, Helen and her mother went on to design and create her daughter’s wedding gowns, spending hours on intricate beadwork.
Helen was a graduate from Madison High School and received her BS in Elementary Education and Special Education from Buffalo State in 1959. Following graduation, she taught the first special education program at Gates-Chili High School.
On August 8th, 1959, Helen married the love of her life, James Barbato. They had six children, Margaret, Cathy, Diane, Cyndi, Julie, and Jim. Throughout their 61 years of marriage, Jim and Helen never stopped dating and always enjoyed Saturday night dinners out with family, friends, or just the two of them. Having six kids didn’t slow Helen and Jim down. It wasn’t unusual for them to pack 8 people in a wood paneled station wagon and travel to the 1000 Islands for a weekend of boating, fishing and waterskiing. The family would parade into restaurants as people counted the kids in amazement. Attending mass every Sunday was a priority. Even with six kids, Helen kept her busy family organized with each child involved in activities.
Helen was a loving grandmother to eighteen grandchildren. In 1985 Helen was blessed with her first grandchild, Timmy, the son of her daughter Margaret. The entire Barbato family cherished Timmy and unfortunately he left us at a young age. Timmy gave her the name MomMom. This is the name she would be called by her 17 grandchildren that followed; Lindsey, Lauren, Olivia, and Allison Caines; Aaron, Tara, and Connor Powell; Nicole, Christian, and Karina Ernst; Dylan and Zoey Warner; Joshua, Evan, and Eric Didas; and Adam and Thomas Barbato. Her love was steadfast and she made each grandchild feel uniquely special.
Helen was very active in the community and was always looking to help in any way she could. She was a member of the Seton Club and St. Helen Church Rosary Society. Helen was also committed to her Italian heritage. She was a past President of the Italian Women’s Civic Club, Chairwoman of the Dante Scholarship, and a longtime volunteer to Casa Italiana of Nazareth College. Helen later used her dress making talent to make and donate dresses for the “Dress a Girl Foundation”.
Helen enjoyed many activities including; playing cards, doing puzzles, knitting, crocheting and playing golf. She made countless ceramic pieces and most recently made all of her children ceramic mugs for Christmas 2019. Helen had a special love for travel and she was always ready to jump in the car or on a plane.
Music was a part of Helen’s soul. When music was playing, Helen was singing and dancing right along. Right up until the end she enjoyed music and dancing with her family at home.
Helen will always be remembered for her overwhelming generosity, contagious smile, laughter, beauty, brains, and thoughtful ways. She had a strong faith in the Lord. In the face of her challenges, Helen never stopped caring for her family. The light she brought to the world leaves a void for many, but there is comfort knowing she is embraced by the Lord. She will live in our hearts forever.
Helen left her family with these words of wisdom that were captured on videos.
“It is more important in life to remember the good times and enjoy the good things because we never know when we will have to face something that is hard.”
“Always remember that you are Strong.”
“Never stop dancing.”
Friends may call Thursday 11-1 and 5-7 at Richard H.Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd Fairport. A celebration of Helen’s life will be held Friday October 23, 2020 at 11:00 at St. John of Rochester, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. Helen’s Mass will be live-streamed at www.stjohnfairport.org.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to URMC Memory Care Program
Comments
4 responses to “Barbato, Helen Marie”
Saddened to learn of Helen’s passing….although not unexpected. I knew from visiting with cousin Jim last week that her time with us was growing short.
My memory of Helen, from knowing her these past 60 years, is of a lovely lady, a good person, one of my favorites. She will remain in
my prayers from now on. My prayers also are for Jim and all their children. as they cope with their loss.
Helen was a loyal member and past President of our Italian Women’s Civic Club since 1979. She was a lovely, kind woman and she will be truly missed by all in our club.
Helen will always be remembered by myself and my children as a very caring, kind woman. I always loved receiving her Christmas cards as they were always very elegant, classic images of an angel with a large trumpet. We do believe heaven has another beautiful angel with a trumpet!
So sorry to read about this in the newspaper. I remember Helen as such a wonderful Mom to all you “girls” when you trained in Gymnastics for so many years.
Helen was so good to all of you. She braided your hair perfectly every practice and bought each one of you the best leotards. May she rest in peace. God Bless you all!
Fondly,
Sarah Jane Bernhardt Clifford