Helena Robb

Helena T. Robb ( Failla)

GREECE - Passed away peacefully on October 31, 2019 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 103. Predeceased by her husband Frank, parents & 7 siblings. Survived by her children, Sharon (Bill) Rae, Dr. John Robb and Mary Jo Karpenko ,Joanne (Nelson) Owens-Peck, Thomas (Doreen) Robb; grandchildren, Meredith Miller, Tracy Edmunds, Lisa Messerklinger, Lori Robb Monaghan, Lindsay Kimmerly, John Owens Jr., Matthew Owens, Shannon Robb, Stephen Robb; 5 step-grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; dear nieces and nephews; special friends, Al & Beverly DiMaria, Jim & Lynn Cucinelli and Edwina Failla. Helena earned a Nursing Degree from the University of Buffalo and was Head Nurse of the Maternity Ward at Highland Hospital. She taught first grade at Holy Cross School and was an active member at Holy Cross Parish. She volunteered at Unity Hospital for 30 years until the age of 95. She was a member of Park Ridge Auxiliary and Pine Grove Senior Center. The family would like to thank Unity Hospital, T.C.C. and Wegmans Family Cottages and Dr. Michael Herbowy for their compassionate care. Friends may call Thursday 4-8 at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, 777 Long Pond Road. Funeral Mass, 10 AM Friday at Holy Cross Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church/ School or charity of choice.



Helena T. Robb was born to Antoinina and Stephano Failla in Canandaigua, NY on July 30, 1916. She grew up in Canandaigua with her parents and 7 Siblings, and was the only female to leave home to pursue a college education. She was awarded her nursing degree from the University of Buffalo, in conjunction with Meyer Memorial Hospital, and settled in Rochester to work at Highland Hospital.



She was married on May 9, 1942 to Frank T. Robb and lived in Charlotte. She has 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and she enjoyed each and every one of them. When her children were young, she taught first grade at Holy Cross School from 1955-1957 where her children attended. She has been an active parishioner of Holy Cross Church since then and attended Mass and parish events regularly.



Helena returned to Highland Hospital and was the head nurse on the maternity floor until she retired in 1982. She touched the lives of many parents and newborns with her attentive and loving care throughout the years.



When she retired, she did not stop her hospital work. She volunteered at Unity Hospital for over 30 years, and only stopped at age 95 when she gave up driving. She is a life member of the Park Ridge Auxiliary and continued to be active and attend events and outings. During this time, she also volunteered for the Pinegrove Senior Center and was very involved in the community. Over the years she has received numerous awards and recognitions for her extensive volunteer work, including the Fern Hutchins Volunteer of the Year Award in 2007.



Helena attributes her longevity and her health to staying active. She read the newspaper daily, went out as often as she could, kept herself busy at home, and enjoyed family and friends. She attened church regularly, played cards with friends, visited her sister and other friends who could not get out, and enjoyed her overnight stays at the Seneca Niagara Casino with her daughters where she acted like a kid!!! She was an amazing woman, and an inspiration to all who knew her.