Helen Rose Kanter
January 12, 1942 ~ August 25, 2020
Helen Rose Kanter, 78, Indianapolis, passed away August 25, 2020. Helen was born January 12, 1942, in Knottsville, Kentucky, to the late James Celeste and Lettie Mae (Aud) Payne.
Helen went to school at St. Williams in Knottsville and furthered her education at Brescia University in Owensboro. She spent several years as a contemplative nun with the order of Mt. St. Joseph while she began a long teaching career. After moving to Indianapolis with her sister, she taught at Little Flower, Our Lady of the Greenwood, and for 35 years at St. Barnabas (4th and 5th grades). Helen was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church, where she was active with the Small Church Group, as well as a volunteer with Hunger Inc. Food Pantry. Above all, she was strongly devoted to her family. She was an ever present grandmother to Benjamin and Luke – never missing a sporting event. She will be fondly remembered for her caring nature, independence, selflessness, and love for family.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her first husband, Stephen Whitcomb; her second husband, Phillip Kanter; step-daughter, Cindy Beck; brothers, James C. “J.C.”, Bernard J. “Junie”, Joseph S. “Johnny”, Joseph E., Richard E. “Gene”, and Larry Dennis, and sisters Elsie M. “Sissy”, Dorthy M., Clara R., and Marjorie A. “Margie”.
Survivors include her two sons, James Kanter (Julie Butler) and Robert Kanter (Beth); step-daughter, Vickie Hyatt; brother, Martin “Wishie” Payne; grandchildren, Benjamin and Luke Kanter, Marlo McCracken, and Kala Gregory.
Visitation will be on Monday, August 31, 2020, 4 to 8 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2020, in St. Barnabas Catholic Church, with burial following at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Barnabas Catholic School, Bishop Simon Brute Seminary, or Hunger Inc. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Additionally, the Mass will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person at www.bit.ly/stbindy. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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We have known Helen since she taught our boys in Grade School at St. Barnabas. She was a good and faithful servant even after enduring the death of 2 husbands in tragic accidents. I caught up with her years later as a volunteer at Hunger, Inc. She always had a smile and was a very humble person. My sympathy to her sons and her family.
We met Helen at Hunger, Inc. where we stocked donations together. Helen was a hard worker and a charming, pleasant companion. We will miss spending time with her and offer our deepest sympathy to her family. Larry and Patty Schmalz
I met Helen while volunteering at Hunger Inc. and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her. I didn’t get to know her as well as I would have liked to, but I could tell she was a good soul and greatly respected at the pantry. I am so sorry for your loss.
I have loved gettng to know Helen this last 6 months. She had the best laugh that could lift your spirits and make me laugh as well. She will be missed at Hunger, INC. Sandy T
I found Helen a beautiful, happy person that I truly adored. Her kindness is contagious, I loved working with her at the pantry she always made me laugh.
Helen holds a special place in my heart. She was my teacher at St. Barnabas and took a scared little girl under her wing. She served as a teacher, mentor, and later, a friend. She will be missed by me and all her former students.
Helen was a wonderful teacher and friend. Helen was my 4th grade science teacher at St. Barnabas. Years later, I had the privilege of teaching alongside Helen. Her love for her students and enthusiasm toward teaching were evident each and every day she walked through the door. Though I’ve not seen her in years, I will always remember her joy for people and her unwavering faith in her Savior. May she rest in peace and may God’s promise of salvation comfort her family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Helen was the friend of my grandmother, Patricia Gabehart. The few times I got to spend time with Helen, she was supportive, caring, and kind. I know she was a wonderful friend of 46 years to my grandmother, and will he remembered fondly by our entire family. May you Rest In Peace, Helen ❤️
I had Mrs Whitcomb/Kanter in 4th grade she was an awesome and caring teacher. I had the fortune of baby sitting her sons as well. I remember science fair when my partner had ruined our poster she allowed us to redo our projects and allowed us to do them separately and repair our grades. She will be sorely missed
Helen helped with my mother when she was getting late into alzheimer’s she help to give my mother dignity and love . This was just how wonderful Helen was.
Jim, Julie and the rest of the family – we are so sorry for your loss. We love you guys and will be praying for peace. Hugs from us…
The LORD bless you and keep you; make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
Mrs Kanter was a mainstay at st barnabas school! My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
I remember your retirement dinner and how lovely it was. But did you really retire because the next year, you subbed often. Your generosity was huge. Thank you for the fun and laughter. Judy Carroll Harkness
Helen/Mrs. Kanter was a special person to all who were lucky to know her. My family was blessed to not only call her teacher, but also life long friend. She will greatly be missed and her spirit will live on through all who adored her.
We loved Helen. Always willing to help others. She taught our son, Jerry, in 4th grade, and always asked about him whenever we saw each other at St. Barnabas. She is now in her eternal home. Our condolences to her family. Prayers for comfort. Jerry and Anne Eacret
Helen taught both of my children at St. Barnabas. She was a wonderful teacher and friend. I reconnected with her years later in the many ways she served others. Many times when HOOP needed someone to prepare food for the homeless, Helen would step up and organize a group to cook for us. She had a servant’s heart. St. Barnabas and the world lost an gem. Heaven gained an angel! Prayers for all who loved her.
Helen was Helen Rose to her Kentucky kin. She was a wonderful lady and now she is with her parents and her brothers and sisters.
Helen, you will be missed. You were always available to sub for someone at the Adoration Chapel. And also had an hour of your own. I am sure Our Blessed and Jesus met you at the gates of heaven. Prayers for the family.
I taught with Helen from 2002-2005 at St. Barnabas when I was first starting my teaching career. She was always so kind and helpful. I ran into Helen at Meijer last year and we talked for awhile after not seeing each other for over 10 years. She had a way of making everyone feel special. Asking about your family and remembering small details.
Helen Rose was a friend and great sister-in-law! She was there for me when her brother Larry and my husband passed away at the early age of 34. As all know her words of encouragement and support are greatly appreciated by all! Rest in peace Helen Rose and give Larry a big hug and will see You again one day in the glorious life we are striving for !
I still remember vividly sitting in her classroom and learning, goofing off admittedly too, and growing up. Not only did I have her for class, but my other three siblings had her as well. She had quite the impact on the Walsh family while at St. Barnabas. What a great teacher.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your lossour thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Another dear soul who I will think of when I pray. My 4th grade teacher, neighbor and an inspiration to me. Im thankful for times I visited with Helen when my kids played baseball at Greenwood Little League and were in scouts in same troop with the Kanter family. ߒհߙϰߏ»
We are so sorry to hear of Helens passing. On her recent trip to Florida It was fun to visit with her again after many years. She enjoyed mugs of root beer, delicious food and visiting with friends. Her smile and joy were contagious. Again, so sorry to hear of such a joyful persons life cut short. Sending love to her family.❤️ John & Jana Hoefling
I have so many fond memories of working with Helen at Barnabas. She was always happy, smiling, and a favorite with the kids and staff. I loved the friendship that she had with Mary Jaffe. Those two were always having such a great time together. Helen, you will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Helen was one of one favorite clients! I have been cutting her hair for years and she always made my laugh! She had the best sense of humor and was the sweetest person! Always talked about her family and how much they meant to her! She will be missed and will always hold a place in my heart!
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your loving memories of her comfort you. God Bless and Keep You, Kim Mastin – Office Pride
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
“Helen Kanter” will remain in our hearts forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you all. Jennifer, Brad, Gene, Donna, Rosie, Jimmy, Sherri & Shonna
I’m so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you and comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Celeste Gibson – Office Pride
Mrs. Kanter was one of my most favorite teachers. She knew her students and loved us like we were her own. I’ll never forget telling her in the 4th grade that I had a riddle for her to recite but, she had to recite it in front of us all or it just won’t work. So she takes my challenge. The riddle: One smart fellow he felt smart Two smart fellows they felt smart Three smart fellows they all felt smart. Hellen: One fart smello he smelt fart ߘ°ߘ°ߘ‚ Two fart fellows they felt smartߘ°ߘ‚ Three fart smello’s they all smelt fart! The whole class was laughing so hard because fart was super funny in the 4th grade & Mrs. Kanter was in tears laughing at herself! She said ok, that was a fun way to start the morning. She was not only a great teacher but, a great person inside and out. She knew how to make learning fun and I as a class clown appreciates that! Mrs. Kanter will be missed and God has gained a beautiful angel in heaven. Love always, Megan (Jaffe) Guthrie
Prayers for all during this difficult time.
Lots and lots of love, The Harter family