Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 27, 2027

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.