Helen Louisa Ficarro

Helen Louisa (Schlafer) Ficarro 102, passed away June 22, 2026 in the comfort of her own home. Born April 26,1924 to Arthur and Louise Schlafer in her grandmother’s home in Penfield, NY. Helen was a woman before her time: bold, ambitious, intelligent, and brave. She modeled for Kodak during the development of motion film, was a performer traveling the United States in the late 1930s early 40s as a ballerina until she met the love of her life Angelo Ficarro. They married and eventually built a family having daughter Deborah and son Daniel. To help the family she worked for Sibley’s Dept. store, the Penny Saver and became a Senior Buyer for Xerox. She retired early after 17yrs to be with her husband and travel the world. Helen stayed busy in retirement teaching English and reading to migrant workers, drove seniors to medical appointments, attended weekly bible study and was a long-time member of the Women’s Republican Club. She loved to learn, was an avid reader and walker.

Most importantly Helen loved and cherished her family. Often reaching out to granddaughters, great granddaughters, nieces, nephews and cousins just to let them know she was thinking about them and that she loved them.

Helen is predeceased by husband Angelo, daughter Deborah and sister Dorothy Sill. Survived by her son Daniel, granddaughters Lona, Danielle and Amanda, great granddaughters Helene, Kathryn, Emma, Mai and An Ly and three precious great great grandchildren Finnegan, Damon and Corinne.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday July 10th at 12pm at St Mary’s of the Lake 5823 Walworth Rd, Ontario, NY 14519. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Foodlink, Open Door Mission or Covenant House as Helen held these organizations close to her heart in her never-ending care for others.