Helen F. Dow

May 27, 2026

CHARLOTTE - It is with great sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Helen F. Dow on May 27, 2026, at the age of 79.

Helen was born in the Panama Canal Zone to Charlotte and Colonel Frederick W. Whittemore (USA). She carried throughout her life the strength, grace, compassion, and generosity that defined her so completely.

Helen met the love of her life, Jack, on a blind date in Kingsville, Texas, in the spring of 1969. Following her graduation from Texas A&I University later that year, they were married on December 27, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than five decades. Together they built a beautiful family, welcoming their daughter, Jennifer “Morgan” Dow, in 1970, and their son, John “Michael” Dow, in 1977.

As a Navy wife and mother, Helen created loving homes for her family wherever life took them — from Virginia Beach and San Diego to Washington, D.C., Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond. Through every move and every chapter, she was the steady heart of the family: strong, organized, compassionate, and endlessly devoted.

After Jack’s retirement from the Navy, Helen began a successful career with SunTrust Bank in Sanford, Florida, where she became a respected investment manager. She approached her work with intelligence, integrity, and sincere care for the people she served.

Some of Helen’s happiest moments were spent at the family’s cottage on Treasure Island in Shapleigh, Maine. Summers there were filled with boating, water skiing, hiking, laughter, and cherished time with family and friends. Maine held a special place in Helen’s heart, and the memories created there will remain with all who shared them.

Helen also had a special place in her heart for dogs, which brought her great joy and happiness throughout her life. Her love and kindness toward animals reflected the caring spirit she shared so generously with family and friends alike.

In 2020, Helen and Jack moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they became part of the Givens Aldersgate community. Helen deeply appreciated the friendships she formed there, along with the kindness and support of the staff and caregivers who became such an important part of her life. She entered hospice care in late 2024 and passed peacefully at home with love surrounding her.

Helen is survived by her devoted husband, Jack; her daughter, Morgan Cromwell, and her husband, Brian; her son, Michael Dow, and his wife, Karen; her four beloved grandchildren, Alexis and Parks Cromwell, and Ryan and Colin Dow; and her loving siblings, Samuel Whittemore and Mary Lee Stephenson.

Helen will be remembered for her strength, intelligence, kindness, elegance, and unwavering love for her family. She touched many lives through her generosity, friendship, and quiet grace, and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

May God rest her soul and hold her in His everlasting care.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on June 19, 2026, at Givens Aldersgate 3800 Shamrock Drive Charlotte, NC 28215

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to North Meck Animal Rescue. https://northmeckanimalrescue.org/

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Ray and Judy Johnson

    When we moved into our home in Fort Mill in 2008, we were welcomed by our next door neighbors, Jack and Helen Dow. We learned that we had both experienced Naval service and that gave us a common bond right away. There was no question about it. Helen loved her man, her dogs, her flowers and her trees of all varieties.

    Sometimes we shared meals at various restaurants or a good movie together and a few common projects in our sub-division. Those were happy days., for sure. We were saddened and missed them when they chose to move on to their next phase of life at Givens Alsdersgate in Charlotte.

    Helen was a lovely, respected, caring lady and a great neighbor. We will never forget her!

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  • Chelsi Leigh Chan

    My godmother was the closest thing to a fairytale godmother anyone could ever have. From afar, she was always there cheering me on, believing in me, and supporting me through every stage of my life. She helped me through college and nursing school, never missed a birthday, and always found a way to remind me that I was loved and remembered.

    One of the memories I cherish most is that she traveled to Virginia to attend my graduation from Old Dominion University. Her presence meant more to me than words can express. She believed in me when I was building my future, and I truly would not be where I am today in my life or in my career without her constant encouragement, generosity, and support.

    But she was even better than a fairytale godmother because she was real. She was genuine, selfless, loving, and one of the most remarkable women I have ever known. Despite the miles between us, she never forgot me. She remained a steady source of love and kindness throughout my life, and for that I will be forever grateful.

    I will carry her memory with me always. I can only hope to be as generous, compassionate, and loving as she was. The impact she made on my life will never be forgotten, and neither will she.

    I love you, Tita Helen. You’ll be with me always.

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  • Strat Lake

    Helen was such a wonderful person! She welcomed my family so fully when we moved in next door. We always looked forward to visits with her and Bella on their daily walks around the pond! Her gifts of gorgeous flowers from her beds were always such a special treat, too! Helen will be missed indeed. Much love to you, Jack, from the whole Lake Family.

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  • Cindy Bungo

    Helen and I worked together at SunTrust for many years. We had the best working relationship that turned into an amazing friendship. Too many funny stories to tell. Jack, Morgan and Brian, Mike and Karen and family, my sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to you. She talked about her beautiful loving family everyday. She will always be remembered.
    With love,
    Cindy

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  • Christine Horan

    Helen was a “force of nature”. I knew her not only as a Navy wife but as a neighbor. My 3 boys loved her and knew she was always there for them as I did. She was unique as both her husband, daughter and son will attest to. Never knew anyone like Helen and I thank God I had the pleasure of to know her and both her husband and children. She was unique and SPECIAL. We’ll miss you Helen.

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  • Karen Shearer

    I had the pleasure of working with Helen at Suntrust Bank for many years. She helped me in my career and my personal life and I treasure her advice to this day.

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  • Tom Warson

    I remember seeing Jack and Helen each summer at their camp. Helen was always so nice and friendly to me each season it was great to see Jack and Helen always so nice and Happy to see. Helen rest in piece sincerely Tom Watson plumber

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  • Ednalyn Diaz (Roberto C. Diaz, Senior Chief USN retired)

    Helen holds a special place in my heart...I migrated to America along with a small chid, pregnant with the second child. I met Helen through my then husband who served under Capt Dow in San Diego, Ca. Being that English is my second language, I was having difficulty adjusting to American culture and I did not know how to drive. Helen, however, showed me kindness, thought me some of the American ways, drove me to NEX and the commissary. She also took me to her home on occasions. When I gave birth to my second child, she graciously accepted to become her godmother. And through the years, she connected with my daughter, Chelsi Leigh. I kept a picture of her holding my daughter when she turned 1 year old. I wish I was able to thank her for how she showed me graciousness. We will never forget you Helen...Our deepest sympathy to you Capt. Dow, Jen and Mike..

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  • Mary Lou Berg

    Helen suffered so much these past two years! It was hard to watch this strong, caring person go downhill like that! She was like a “dog whisperer” and just had to move her hand a certain way to get a dog to do what she wanted it to do. I have never seen anything like it!

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