Obituary of Helen Brew Rich

Helen Brew Rich, 97, of Venice, Florida, formerly of Skaneateles, New York died at home on May 25, 2015. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 1, 2015 at the Venice Presbyterian Church. Survivors include; daughters, Susan Sims of Skaneateles, N.Y. and Venice, Fla., Kathryn Shumway of Sunnyvale, Calif., Barbara Calder of Venice, Fla., and Nan Rich of Venice, Fla.; a son, Thomas J. Rich (Alison) of Sarasota, Fla.; nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas A. Rich and her brother, Dr. James D. Brew. Helen was born in Urbana, Illinois. As a very young girl, she moved with her family to Ithaca, New York when her father accepted a position at Cornell University. The family relocated to Delmar, N.Y. where Helen graduated as Salutatorian in 1934 from Bethlehem Central School at the age of 16. She then returned to her beloved Ithaca to attend Cornell as a member of the Class of 1938. Big brother Jim, a year older helped her navigate the social scene at Cornell, where she was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Her friendships which began as a teenager were lovingly nurtured and cherished her entire life. Helen met Tom Rich in her junior year at Cornell and they were married in 1939. Helen and Tom were devoted to one another for 72 years raising five children and meeting every life challenge together. As a longtime resident of Skaneateles, New York, she was an active member of the Skaneateles Presbyterian Church, the Monday Evening Book Club and Skaneateles Country Club. She was a talented painter and a gifted athlete: playing golf regularly into her eighties at Skaneateles Country Club and Waterford in Venice. Helen enjoyed the daily crossword puzzle, scrabble and bridge. She had an adventurous spirit and set foot on five continents, visiting Egypt, Japan, Australia, and Scotland. She cherished a busy life, planning activities, participating in business decisions, entertaining friends and family. She will be remembered for her kindness, intellect and wit. Helen was truly beloved by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Venice Presbyterian Church, 1113 E. Firenze Avenue, Venice, Florida 34285, Tidewell Hospice, Venice, Florida. Service Information Date: Monday, June 1, 2015 Time: 10:00 am Venice Presbyterian Church Address: 111 Firenze Avenue E., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map