Helen Rossi

HELEN ROSSI

Iowa City

Helen Marie Rossi died peacefully on June 25, 2015, after a prolonged illness.

Helen's love of people, gregarious personality and compassion shone through in the many humanitarian

endeavors and accomplishments of her life.

Helen was one of the founders of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) Volunteer program, giving over 20,000 hours in developing the many services the program now offers. She was a charter member of the Children's Family Living Foundation, where she worked tirelessly to build the state's first Ronald McDonald House. The Volunteer Guest House in UIHC is named in her honor. In 1989, she was named Volunteer of the Year by Gov. Branstad. She served on the board of directors of the university's School of Religion and helped establish the chair in Catholic Studies.

She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 3, 1932, to John A. Kennedy and Helen A. Conly. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Nicholas P. Rossi, M.D.; four sons, Nicholas J. of Houston, Texas, Dr. Christopher R. (Monica) and Timothy of Iowa City and Dr. Robert S. (Kimberly) of Des Moines; four grandchildren, Sigrid Sophia, Christian, Ryann Marie and Nicholas Loren; and her sister, Nancy.

A prayer wake service followed by visitation will be Monday, June 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Newman Catholic Student Center. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Newman Catholic Student Center, where the family will be available from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Following the Mass, there will be a luncheon at the center. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newman Catholic Student Center, the Oaknoll Foundation, and/or the University Hospital Volunteer Program.