Obituary of Helen-Jean Schlueter

Springwater – Helen-Jean Schlueter, 74 years of age, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday morning February 26, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Helen-Jean was born March 1, 1942 in Washington, D.C. the daughter of John W. and Doris (Thrift) Shank. She grew up in Washington, D.C., attended boarding school at Villa Maria Academy in Lynchburg, VA. and high school at St. Cecelia’s Academy. Subsequent to her high school years, Helen-Jean attended college and was one of the first women in the ROTC Nursing Program at the University of Maryland. Helen-Jean and William “Bill” Schlueter were married May 7, 1971 in Hong Kong. Together they have celebrated over 45 years of marriage. Helen-Jean and Bill resided in several different areas throughout their years together that included, Washington, D.C., California, Nebraska, North Carolina, Germany, Rochester, and finally Springwater, NY, settling there in 1982. Prior to her marriage, Helen-Jean was employed at the Office of Special Investigations for the United States Air Force from 1963-1968. After that, she worked for the Air Weather Service. After their marriage, Helen-Jean was a homemaker and housewife to her husband, seven children, and several grandchildren, constantly rearranging her life to take care of the needs of those she loved most. Helen-Jean had many hobbies in her life. She was one of the first female PADI certified scuba divers and was rated as a twin engine certified pilot. She was also a member of the West Finger Lakes Bird Club. Most recently, she enjoyed water aerobics that she affectionately referred to as “Swimmin’ with Women.” Helen-Jean was talented in all kinds of crafts including knitting, crocheting, and dry flower arranging. She was known to use these talents to make gifts for those she cared about and for charity. Helen-Jean’s faith was very important to her as she was a devout communicant of Holy Family Catholic Community at St. Joseph’s and was a member of the Rosary Society. This faith inspired the kindness and generosity for which Helen-Jean will be remembered most. She loved her babies and children. She was “everybody’s mother and grandmother” helping all whenever she could. Helen-Jean’s humor, kindness and compassion will be missed by her family, friends and church community. Helen-Jean was pre-deceased by her parents, John W. and Doris Shank. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, William E. Schlueter of Springwater; her children, William R. Schlueter of VA, Rodney (Marsha) Schlueter of GA, Laura (Michael) Olienyk of PA, Heidi (Derek) Carlson of NY, Lisa (Gregg) Zielsdorf of PA, W. Matthew (Rachael) Schlueter of NY and Gretchen (John) Kendall of NY; her grandchildren, William, Marjorie, David, Rebecca, Katherine, Emily, Madilyn, Austin, Brodie, Charlotte, Michaela, Colton, Joseph, Christopher, Ryan, W. Thomas, W. Andrew, Mary Alice, Mildred and Baby Kendall; her great-grandchildren, Adarius and Landry. Helen-Jean’s family and friends may call Thursday from 4-7pm at the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Helen-Jean Friday at 10am at St. Joseph’s Church, 206 Fremont St., Wayland. Committal prayers and interment will take place at Trout Run Cemetery, Trout Run, PA. Contributions in memory of Helen-Jean Schlueter may be made to Golisano Children's Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital, 150 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642.