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- Helen P. Mann, a former Niagara Falls resident and educator, died Monday Jan. 29, 2024, in Beechwood Nursing Home, Getzville, NY, a day after celebrating her 100th birthday.
Born Jan. 28, 1924 in Niagara Falls, Helen was the daughter of the late Albert Peters and Nora Walker Peters. In her youth, she spent wonderful summers in West Virginia with her many aunts, uncles and cousins. She attended Gaskill Junior High School and graduated from Niagara Falls High School at the top of her class. Helen commuted daily by bus to Buffalo State Teacher’s College, where she received a BS in elementary education in 1945. She did her student teaching in the last one-room school house on Military Road in Niagara Falls.
Helen began teaching first grade at Maple Avenue School. Throughout her career she was regarded as a deeply caring educator who instilled a love of learning in all of her students.
In 1953, Helen married Joseph M. Mann after a chance meeting at Niagara Frontier Golf Course, where they were paired in a mixed couples outing. Over the years, she achieved the rare distinction of carding three holes-in-one. Helen and her husband, who died in 1987, resided in the DeVeaux area for many years, where they were active members of St. Teresa’s Parish.
Returning to teaching after raising their six children, Helen became one of the first reading specialists in Niagara Falls. In the early 1970s, she worked with the late Mary Dyster to establish the Center for Young Parents at the former 10th Street School, an innovative program for teenage mothers in Niagara County that provided students with the opportunity and support to continue their education, learn parenting and life skills and graduate from high school. She taught there until her retirement in 1983.
Helen was venturesome, curious and always learning. Travel, golf, reading, crossword puzzles and bridge, but most importantly, caring for her family were the hallmarks of her retirement. Helen generously shared her kindness, wisdom and deep faith with everyone, always making room at the table for unexpected guests.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph, her parents and a brother, Wesley. She is survived by her children, Marcia (late Charles) Steiner of Williamsville; Michael (Judy) Mann of Williamsville; Susan (late Frank) Mann Dolce of Buffalo; Mary (Richard) DeGiulio of Youngstown; Timothy (Kerry) Mann of Chapel Hill, NC; and Sara (David) Mann Kahris of Buffalo. Helen, whose most loved role was that of Gram and Mimi, is also survived by 19 grandchildren: Lillian, Iris, Natalie, Olivia, Joseph, Michele, Marc, Frank, Michael, Samuel, Nicole, Joelle, Julie, Matthew, Kate, Matthew, Thomas, Mark, and Colleen, as well as 25 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a dear niece and three nephews.
The family thanks Penny (Marie Johnson), the staffs at the Blocher Residence and Beechwood Nursing Home, especially the Eschelman House team, for the compassionate care and friendship they shared with Helen.
Friends may call on Friday, March 8, from 4 to 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 9, at 10 AM at St. Raphael Church (the former St. Teresa), 3840 Macklem Ave., Niagara Falls. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1298 Main St., Buffalo, NY, and to the Beechwood/Blocher Foundation, 2235 Millersport Highway, Getzville, NY, 14068-1219. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences
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1924 - 2024 (100 years)