Obituary of Helen L. Donelson
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DUNDEE/CANISTEO: Helen L. Donelson, 90, formerly of Cty. Rte. 31 Milwaukee Rd. Canisteo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Gloria and Philip Warren in Dundee.
Helen was born January 21, 1936 in Rochester to the late Joseph H. and Grace B. (Johnson) Pearl, Jr. On December 25, 1953 in Canisteo, she married Harold R. Donelson who predeceased her in September of 2022.
She was a life-long resident of the Canisteo Valley and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and good friend who always greeted you with a pleasant smile and a welcoming hand.
She attended Canisteo Central School, was a member and former treasurer of the Adrian Baptist church and after moving to the Dundee area was a member and former treasurer of the Waneta Lake Baptist church.
Helen is survived by her daughter Gloria (Philip) Warren of Dundee, grandchildren, Richard Warren, Carrie (Paul) Hopkins, James (Jamie) Michener, Richard Michener, Stacey Donelson, Shane (Joy) Putman and Sarah Putman, daughter-in-law Mary Donelson, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Pearl, Shirley Donelson and Patricia Magee, and several great grand and great, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son Harold Donelson, Jr. daughter, Caroline Donelson, a grandson Brandon Putman as well as brothers, Joseph Pearl, Jr. John, Eugene and Herbert Pearl and sisters, Geraldine Parsels, Ada Edwards, Mary Minck and Bernice Tennity.
The family will receive friends Monday, May 25th from 2-4 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo where funeral and committal services will take place immediately following calling hours at 4:00 pm. Burial will be in the Gulley Cemetery, Jasper, NY.
Memorial contribution in Helen’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Ontario Yates Hospice, 756 Preemption Rd. Geneva, NY 14456.
Arrangements are in care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.
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In Loving Memory
Helen Donelson
1936 - 2026
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