Helen Rowberry

HELEN ROWBERRY 1924-2008 MISSION, BC, CANADA -- Helen Lavina Sorensen Rowberry passed away peacefully in her sleep April 11, 2008, in the Mission Memorial Hospital, Mission, BC, Canada. Helen was born August 14, 1924, in Moroni, Sanpete County, Utah, the third child of Neils Peter Sorensen and Blanche Hammond Sorensen. Helen was a beautiful baby with golden curly hair and was a great joy to her parents. Helen was born with many talents which she cultivated and shared. She had a high soprano voice and sang in choral groups, the lead in school operettas and many other programs. She played the violin in the high school orchestra, was an excellent piano accompanist, and taught piano for many years. Helen married her sweetheart Donald A. Rowberry on July 25, 1951, and they were later sealed in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. She was always active and loved participating in the various auxiliaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She continued using her musical talents in directing Singing Mothers groups, Ward choirs, social functions, amd putting on many programs. She was a faithful companion to her husband, supporting him in all things, and her children were the light of her life, loving them dearly. Don and Helen and family have lived in many places both in the United States and in Canada, which they loved. Helen suffered a stroke, after Don passed away, and was in several care homes. Her youngest daughter, Lisa Marie, and Craig (Lisa's husband), along with their children, spent many hours at Helen's side, cheering her up, seeing to her needs, tenderly caring for her, singing to her and whatever she needed on many lonesome days. She passed away peacefully with Lisa, Craig and their children at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A Rowberry; her parents, Neils Peter Sorensen and Blanche Hammond; and brothers and sisters, Grace (Edgel) Blackham; Gladys (Klenner) Sharp; Neil France (Lorraine) Sorensen, Donna (Brent) Nay; Donald (Nadean) Sorensen; and Boyd, Keith, and Glendon who died as children. She is survived by her children, who were her pride and joy, Jon (Larraine), Alan, Robert (Joyce), Mark (Jacquelyn), Michelle, and Lisa (Craig) Bresett, as well as twenty-four grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; and her brother, Calvin (Ramona) Sorensen; and her sister, Rita (Calvin) Allred. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402. There will be a viewing the same day starting at 12:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home. Helen's eternal sweetheart, Don, passed away August 23, 2003, and was buried in the place of his birth, Iona, Idaho. Helen will be laid to rest by his side April 26th in the Iona Cemetery. ------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Heidi (Bergmann) Nelson markheidinelson@yahoo.com Dear Lisa, I am so sad to hear of your mother's passing. I have such fond memories of her. She had such a beautiful voice. I remember singing around your piano in Provo. Your home was always full of music. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Love Heidi (Bergmann) Nelson Wendell & Marjean Tew & family tewsnews@atcnet.net We were sorry to read of the death of Helen. We remember her as a very lovely person. She and Don were married the year before we were. We send our love to all of you. We too, feel the loss of a dear cousin. Love, Wendell & Marjean Armstrong Tew