Helen Marie (Dow) Rooke of Glendale, Arizona died peacefully on August 16, 2016 surrounded by her family. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Ralph Rooke, Sr. She was born on July 23, 1925 in Springfield, MA, the daughter of the late Cecilia (Sullivan) and Clarence Dow. She was predeceased by her brothers Frank and Raymond Dow, her sister Anna Deshais and granddaughter Michelle Corey. Helen grew up in Springfield, MA, graduating from Commerce High school and then met the love of her life, Ralph. In 1944 she traveled to California by herself to marry Ralph, who was in the Marine Corps. A sense of adventure and travel was born staying with her throughout her life. She passed this adventurous spirit on to her children and her grandchildren. After the war, Helen and Ralph settled in Manchester, CT to raise their family. She quickly became involved with church groups, loved a good party, telling great family stories, playing cards and especially coffee with friends. She was an avid reader enjoying all genres especially mysteries, thrillers and Irish novels. She and Ralph were always on the move, either traveling the backroads of New England or settling in new homes in Massachusetts, Upstate New York or Arizona. They bought a 1700 Federal Colonial in Brimfield, MA where her passion for antiques grew. She took courses to learn about antiques and traveled to auctions throughout New England collecting beautiful pieces. When she and Ralph retired to Phoenix, Helen joined several church groups forming new friendships. Eventually, they returned to Connecticut living in South Windsor where family and friends awaited them. After Ralph's passing, Helen moved back to Arizona to be with her daughter Debbie, son Dan and their families. Helen was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother always putting family first. Her grandchildren were the twinkle in her eye and the song in her heart. Helen, Mom, Gramma will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family and many friends. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ralph, Jr. and Mary Lynn, Kenneth and partner Mallory Landers, Daniel and partner Margi Atherton, Deborah and Michael Eggers; eight grandchildren, Heather Hewitt, Rebecca Rooke-Dutton, Kenneth Rooke, Jr., Daniel "RJ" Rooke, Jesse Rooke, James Rooke, Elizabeth Hart and Jason Rooke; twelve great grandchildren, Brett and Eric Hewitt, Haleigh Corey, Victoria and Ava Rooke, Jonathan and Tyler Hart, Jacob and Nathan Rooke, Petra Rooke-Dutton, Scarlett Rooke and Briella Rooke, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private. Burial will be in Agawam Center Cemetery, Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the organization of your choice. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester, CT has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.