Helen Catherine Daae Roosevelt, née Sparrow, died peacefully on 25 May 2020 in New York City. Daughter of Edward Grant Sparrow and Catherine Groth Sparrow, she was born in Paris, France on November 6, 1927 and spent her first 12 years there. Her love of French culture included her sense of style and sharing potent after-dinner espressos and cigarettes with the unending stream of ‘petits français' whom she welcomed into her home. In addition to being a relaxed, generous, and innovative hostess through the years, she was a lifelong patron of the arts, defender of animals and strays, and an accomplished equestrienne.
Whether single-handedly fending off snakes on a family camping trip in Michigan, taking on the management of a working cattle farm in her 60’s, or entering into matrimony for the second time at 73, her intrepid spirit was an example to those around her. Helen's optimism, equanimity, fortitude and discretion inspired all those who met her, and leave those who loved her with an enduring legacy.
Always ready to contribute to her community, she served on the boards of St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, The New York City Marble Cemetery, Youngs Memorial Cemetery, Big Sisters (now Partnership with Children), Theodore Roosevelt Association, and the Treadwell Farms Historical District.
Helen was a member of the Colony Club and the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.
Helen is survived by her children Robert, Andrew, and Cordelia; her grandchildren Eloïse and Archibald; and her stepchildren Elizabeth, Frances, and Milo. She was predeceased by John Ellis Roosevelt, father of Robert, Andrew, and Cordelia; and by William Bright Jones.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: https://cornellleukemia.com/leukemia-fighters/
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