9/21/1954- 9/10/2026 Helen Gross, 71, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.
Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was caring for the people around her.
Helen loved taking care of others and was lovingly considered a “second mom” by so many. Whenever someone was going through a difficult time, she never hesitated to offer help or a listening ear. Helping others came naturally to her, and she had a special way of making everyone feel cared for, accepted, and welcome.
Some of Helen’s happiest moments were spent sitting by the lake with her family, playing Yahtzee and Scabbie Queen, and sipping on her “wee wine.” She cherished every holiday spent surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren all under one roof. Her coffee dates with friends were legendary and could easily last five hours or more. There was never a shortage of laughter or stories to share.
Helen had a special love for dogs and loved taking her dog Raven and granddog Phoenix for long walks. She loved sharing her knowledge on training with friends and family. She was the backbone of the family, taking care of everything in the household and caring for everyone.
She treasured her daily walks around the neighborhood, where she rarely passed a neighbor without stopping to chat. Everyone she met seemed to fall in love with her Scottish accent, often stopping to ask about it. She was incredibly proud of her Scottish heritage and treasured the memories she made with her parents and siblings in Scotland.
She was also one of the biggest supporters of her grandchildren. Rain or snow, you could count on Grammy to be there for their games, activities, and special moments. She never wanted to miss an opportunity to cheer them on and be a huge part of their lives. Her grandchildren knew they could always count on her love and encouragement.
Family and friends will always remember Helen for the love, generosity, laughter, kindness, and unwavering support she gave so freely. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel loved and at home, and the impact she had on those around her will live on in all who knew her.
Helen is survived by her husband Dave Gross, son Dave (Amanda) Gross, daughter Amanda (Amy) Pignataro and grandchildren Finley and Fiona Gross. Sisters Carol McCarthy and Catherine (Thomas) Murray and brothers Donald (Jean) Nicolson and Allan (Pat) Nicolson, along with nieces, nephews, and friends.
Helen was predeceased by her parents Donald and Caroline Nicolson; brothers Neil Nicolson and James Nicolson; her brother-in-law Jim McCarthy, and nephews Gavin and Jamie.
Helen chose to donate her body to the University of Rochester Anatomical Gift Program, a final act that reflects the generosity and thoughtfulness she showed throughout her life.
At Helen’s request, there will be a Celebration of Life rather than traditional funeral services. Join us for a celebration of life October 11th from 2-5 pm at the Porterhouse at 400 Packetts Landing in Fairport, NY
25 responses to “Gross, Helen”
Helen and I had those long talks over coffee, we both worked at Target and she was a treasured friend, I will miss her so much, I’m so sorry for her family’s loss , heaven truly has another Angel, Kim Davern❤️
Grammy with the accent. I’m going to miss our chats at fins basketball and football games. She was a beautiful woman and was so kind to everyone. Grammy with the glasses 💔
Dave and family, My sincere condolences at this difficult time. My thought and prayers are with you at this time and may the good Lord watch over you and Helen.
Helen was a generous, thoughtful and kind person! She will be missed! I will toast her life with a glass of wine! God bless her family, she loved them dearly🤍🕊️
To all the family…over 40 years of memories is hard to put into words. We’ll miss our visits on her way by walking the dogs. Helen had the biggest heart and great energy. Our hearts are with you all.
To have Helen as a friend was truly a gift. Many years working with her at TGI Fridays in Victor made it much less like work. To share even a portion of memories that I have of Helen would go on and on. Rest easy now Helen 🦋🦋🦋🦋
I am so very sorry and extend my condolences to Amanda, Amy and your entire family. Amanda you look like her. She was a beautiful lady both inside and out. Sending my prayers, love and hugs. 🙏💞🤗💐😘
Love,
Gail Wojtowicz
Will so miss my friend and neighbor. We shared the trials and joys of raising our children on Whitebrook circle ny children viewed hee as another mother. She even trained my dog Sam
Helen had the kindest heart of anyone I have known. I will miss her.❤️
My Darling sister we have so many memories growing up you were always with me when we moved to America you came for a visit fell in love and we brought our kids up together then we had grandkids to talk about. Words can not explain how much I loved you, Thomas and I had so many laughs memories with you my wee sister. RIP too young so fast you will be missed.
❤️ kind and caring soul.
Helen was my neighbor and a very dear friend for more than 40 years. We shared so many memories over that time. I will miss not seeing her out in her backyard with Raven and will is our marathon talks, and we had many of those. She was always there for me. I will miss her dearly. She will never be forgotten. ❤️
Very sorry for your loss! I always remember Helen being a wonderful person. You and your family are in my thoughts.
So very sorry for your loss Dave and Family. I met her many years ago and could tell how wonderful a woman she was. I pray for love and comfort for you and your family. 🩷
So very sorry to hear of this. Helen was a ray on sunshine. Working with her for years at Fridays and also her kids. All wonderful people. I loved listening to her accent and all the wonderful life stories she had. Prayers for her family.
I have know Helen for my entire adult life. Our
children have grown up together and our families have been friends for years. Helen has always had the biggest heart and would do anything for people she cares about. Her family was all important to her and cherished by her. She will be missed.
This is heartbreaking news
Hellen was truly a character, full of life, personality, and so much love for her children. Just hearing her name makes you smile. I have so many memories and stories from our TGI Fridays days that still make me laugh. She had a way of making every interaction memorable. She took no crap, loved to chat with the guests, and could always find a story to tell, especially when it came to her kids, who she loved so deeply.
She was one of those people you simply do not forget. Her laughter, her stories, and that larger than life personality will stay with everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Heaven gained a beautiful angel. ❤️
Dave and family we are so truly sorry of the loss of your wife, mom and grandma. She was a wonderful person , loved her laugh. Loved her stories. We had great dinners together .
We will miss her dearly.
Dave and family: I’m truely shocked at the news of Helen’s passing. She was much too young too have passed away. Words cannot express my deepest sympathy. I hope all of you can find a way to get through this sad time.
Helen was a “second mom” to my son when he was growing up in the neighborhood with her son and nephew. I’m forever grateful to her for welcoming our family into hers. The neighborhood won’t be the same without you, Helen!
Ive had the pleasure of meeting Helen and her family, im very sorry for your loss
David and Family, our sincerest condolence on the recent passing of Helen.
Helen was my cousin . We were both born in Glasgow but never met. We were from a big family..at least 40 cousins.
I only met her once a few years ago when she came across into Canada with her sister Cate and husband Thomas.
She was charming, chatty and a delight. I followed her on Facebook for quite a number of years now.
This news today has shocked me to the core. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. RIP dear cousin🙏🏻🙏🏻
Helen was a beautiful soul may God comfort and bring peace to Dave and her family.
I am very sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. My deepest condolences to her family.
Helen was a dear friend and I will miss our lunches, the wine and laughs we had. My uncle was so lucky to have you, I’m so happy you met all those years ago here in the U.S. My family loved you too, you had a beautiful “wee” smile and beautiful blue eyes.
Love Susan