Obituary of Helen S. Szarowski

Helen "Jonesy" Szarowski (nee Simmons), 71, soulmate to Donald H. Szarowski, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2015, with her husband by her side, after a long battle with leukemia. Helen was born to the late Fielding and Helen Simmons (nee Thompson). After graduating from St. Agnes School for Girls in Albany, NY, Helen earned her bachelor's degree from Hood College in Frederick, MD, where answering a random call in a phone booth led her to her future husband and best friend. On the road to becoming a skilled and compassionate teacher, she earned her master's degree from SUNY Geneseo and began her teaching career in Dunkirk, NY. An educator for over three decades, Helen also taught in Whitinsville, MA, before settling into her career in rural upstate NY, where she continued her passionate quest to help children meet and exceed their potential until her retirement in 2006. Raising her son and daughter, continuing her own education in teaching, needlework, crafts, creating uses for computers in her classroom, reading, rescuing animals, and gardening were other passions that kept Helen active, as did the ever-present Siamese cats that lent her companionship throughout her life. Once retired, Helen soared the skies in gliders, bounced on peat bogs in Ireland, walked on glaciers in Alaska, strolled through Red Square in Moscow, and walked along the Great Wall of China, sharing many adventures with her husband. She also spent as much time as possible with her four grandsons, caring for them in times of need, and enjoying watching them grow. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, Helen is survived by her husband, Donald, her son, John Szarowski of Corinna, ME, and Helen (Lynn) Hasty (nee Szarowski) of Keymar, MD, and their spouses, Autumn Szarowski (nee Perrino) and Robert Hasty. Surviving grandchildren are Elliott and Quinn Szarowski of Corinna, ME, and Benjamin and Torin Hasty of Keymar, MD. Helen is predeceased by her sister, Abby Clark (nee Simmons), and is survived by brother Fielding Simmons and sister Meg Atkinson (nee Simmons). Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donating to the Children's Cancer Research Fund, donating blood, donating supplies to a classroom, or giving a hug to a child who could use a little love.