Helen Elizabeth Gross
Helen Elizabeth Gross passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on December 12, 1936, in Rochester, NY. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Gross, and is survived by her brother, Thomas Campbell, Jr.; four children—Richard Gross, David Gross (Doris), Glen Gross (Anne), and Julie Gross Maurer (Tom); eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
Life Story
Helen was a lifelong resident of Rochester, NY, spending nearly 70 years living on the same street in North Winton village. She met her husband of over 50 years when he worked as a short-order cook at Currier’s Diner in the city. To win Helen over, he often gave her and her
friends (Jean and Joan Whitney) free milkshakes. They married in 1956 and went on to raise a family of four. She is also survived by many close and dear lifelong friends including Arlene Ferra and Sandy LoPresti, also Whitney sisters who referred to her as their ‘Extra-Sis’.
Helen was a resilient and loving person with artistic talent and a fierce determination to be self reliant and independent. If her home needed a picture for a wall, she painted it herself in oils; if a chair needed reupholstering, she taught herself how to do it; and if the house needed painting, she got out the ladder and rallied her kids to get it done. She overcame childhood poverty and the abandonment of her mother at an early age, dropping out of middle school to help raise her younger brother. She lived with and cared for her stepfather until his death in 1975. She was a devoted homemaker and mother who instilled a love of reading in her children and took great pride in her home and garden. She prided herself on being a good neighbor and was known for her habit of paying back small favors with home-baked cookies. She was happiest teasing her grandchildren, decorating her home, and working in her beautiful perennial garden.
Helen was buried in Webster Rural Cemetery beside her mother, Jean Stanton Wohlert, and her beloved husband, Richard Gross.
Per her final wishes, no wake or calling hours were held. A celebration of life will be held in the spring at her daughter Julie Gross Maurer’s home.
3 responses to “Gross, Helen Elizabeth”
Im so sorry about Helen’s passing. I have some wonderful memories of the entire family – especially hanging at the house and always feeling welcome. I remember how artistic Helen was, too – always having a project or in her garden. Family was so important to her and Richard; you can hear the pride when she spoke of them. I was so sad when we moved from around the corner & would only see the family at family functions.
Thanks for your kind thoughts. I remember the day you guys moved out of that house on Atlantic. My mom was sad that day. All I can remember was you guys throwing stuffed animals out of the second story window to me and my friends.
My friend, I will always cherish our memories and talks. Yes. She indeed loved her gardening, baking the delicious chocolate chip cookies. I must include the hair cuts I will give you. Even, when I moved to North Carolina and come back for a visit. We will pick up where we left off. Rest in peace, affectionaly Ms. D