Helena “Lena” Arthene Tompkins Brown (née MacRabie), a long-time resident of Wingdale, NY, died at Sharon Health Center on July 31, 2019, in Sharon, CT at the age of 92.
Helena was born on September 16, 1926, in Bethel, NY to Aldon M. MacRabie and Ethel Bovee.
Besides raising 6 children, Helena worked as an estate manager for the CEO of a major cosmetic corporation and in the mid-1960s began a career in raising and breeding Belgian Groenendael Sheepdogs. Her kennel, High-Mount, AKC registered, competed in numerous AKC dog shows as owner/handler, from Boston, Philadelphia and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in NYC among others with over 200 Champions. Being a strong advocate for the breed standard, Helena’s Belgian Sheepdog bloodlines continue today.
Helena loved her family, her dogs, gardening and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and quilting – many of her children/grandchildren were recipients of her talent.
Helena is survived by children: Lynn (Sandy) of Strasburg, PA; Lanny of Wingdale, NY; Keith (Lisa) of Tivoli, NY; Bert (Donna) of Wingdale, NY; and Kevin (Patty) of Manheim, PA; sibling: Lornen Hilda Shaver of Plains, MT; 19 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Helena is predeceased by her former husband Bert E. Tompkins, Jr. (father of her children) and husband Richard H. Brown; daughter Sandra Jo Jensen; brothers Verner and Robert; sisters Pearl, Ethel (Peg), and Hope; and grandsons Christopher and Michael.
A viewing and funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, August 4th at 3:00 pm at Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling NY 12564. Interment will be immediately following at South Dover Rural Cemetery, Wingdale, NY 12594.
