Obituary of Helen May Thomas

Helen M. Thomas, (Helen May Gavitt) passed away peacefully in Temecula Valley Hospital on June 3rd, 2022, in Temecula, California at the age of 87. Helen is survived by her children Richard (Heather) Thomas (son) and Reesha Meadows (daughter), sister Margie (Mark) Taft, brother Charles (Janette) Gavitt, brother-in-law Dick Stephens and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters Phyllis Hamlin, Esther Merie Coyle and Lois Stephens Helen was born on July 27th, 1934, in Cameron Mills, New York to Charles Harold Gavitt and Neva Marion Ebersol. Helen was the 3rd of 6 children to Harold and Neva. She graduated from Canaseraga Central School class of 1952. Helen was a devoted mother to her two children who remember her as a supportive influence in their lives, always encouraging and helping them to reach and surpass their goals. Helen was accomplished at knitting, crocheting, and quilting and often used these talents when she volunteered at the local church. She was supportive of young people, always encouraging and helping them get a start in life. She loved animals, from her love of Holstein cows on the farm she grew up on to the dogs and cats she had in her home she was always surrounded by her pets. She was an active at SonRise Christian Fellowship (formerly Fallbrook Presbyterian Church) and often volunteered at the church office printing bulletins and helping any way she could. A viewing is scheduled for 11 AM to 1 PM with a funeral at 1 PM at the Bender-Brown and Powers Funeral Home 354 Canisteo Street, Hornell NY 14843 Saturday (June 25, 2022) with a graveside service immediately following in Canaserega cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Helen’s life. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @brownpowersfh, the family is being assisted by director Chester A. Gosper IV.