SHERBURNE – Helen E. Rowan Casscles, 91, formerly of Sherburne, passed away Monday, April 18, 2011 at Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility, Sterling Heights, MI.
Born Aug. 22, 1919, in Smyrna, daughter of Franklin and Beatrice Barber Sweet, she graduated from Smyrna High School and the Utica School of Commerce. On Feb. 14, 1943, Helen married Dennis Robert Rowan who predeceased her on Dec. 17, 1953. On Aug. 23, 1969, she married Clifton J. Casscles who predeceased her on July 13, 2002.
Helen had worked as a secretary at the Gaines Food Co. and later at the Sherburne-Earlville Central School for twenty-four years as secretary to the principal and superintendent, retiring in September 1978. Throughout retirement, Helen substituted at BOCES, served as board chair in the local Office of the Aging, remained active in the local National Secretaries Association, and freely helped friends and neighbors.  
Surviving are her children, James and Miriam Rowan of Clinton Township, MI; Patricia and James Chesbro of Palmer, AK; Michael and Sandra Rowan of Oregon City, OR as well as step-son and his wife, David and Elena Casscles of Sherburne; step-daughter and partner, Marcia Casscles and Mary Ellen Noone of Poughkeepsie; grandchildren, Robert Rowan and Colleen and Scott Opalka, Carrie and Jennifer Chesbro, Mark and Shelly Chesbro, James Chesbro, Jr, and Heidi Gazcon; step-grandson and his wife, Jansen and Bernadette Casscles; great-grandchildren, Amelia Casscles, Rachel Opalka, Alyssa and Heather Chesbro, Elizabeth Gazcon, and Jesse Ligocki; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Reese, two brothers, Harold and Frederic Sweet; and a granddaughter, Amy Chesbro.
Helen was the last survivor of her generation among the Sweet and Rowan families and their spouses. She was known for her laughter and generous and forgiving spirit, as well as her commitment to remembering everyone’s birthday.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Malachy’s Church, East State St., Sherburne, followed by interment in St. Malachy’s Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St, Sherburne on Friday from 5-8 p.m.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.
To send a condolence, or sign the Book of Memories online, go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com/