Helen Sarff Fabry

Helen Margaret Sarff Fabry passed away peacefully on September 3rd, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina at Briar Creek Health Center where she had lived since February of 2023. She leaves behind a tremendous legacy of love for life and family.

Helen, born October 23, 1931, in Chicago Heights, Illinois to Sara Brown Sarff and Cecil Milton Sarff was an only child. She was born during the depression and lived her life with the profound memory of that time and an appreciation of modern life and prosperity. Being a product of the depression, she was a woman who believed in the merits of hard work and held an appreciation for the country that offered her freedom and opportunity. She had many memories of her life as a child; particularly the time she spent with her sister/cousin, Carol Garberg.

Helen left home after high school graduation to attend college at the University of Colorado where she studied Home Economics, and that education led her to be an extraordinary cook and phenomenal teacher. After graduation from college in 1953, she went further West for career opportunities in Southern California as a teacher in that burgeoning state. There (on a beach of course!) she met the love of her life, Alan A. Fabry. They were married in 1961 in Las Vegas at Christ Episcopal Church with her parents in attendance. They had their two daughters in California and subsequently moved to Ohio in the 1970s after changes in the economy.

Helen and Alan lived there for 8 years and then moved on to North Carolina for a little over a year when Alan was laid off and he moved to Oklahoma. Helen remained in Raleigh with Carol until she finished High School. They loved their time in NC and made plans to retire there in the future. Helen joined Alan in Oklahoma in 1982 and they built a beautiful custom home on Keystone Lake outside of Tulsa. Helen began her second career in Tulsa as a trading assistant with Smith Barney. She became very proficient at the Stock Market. They eventually moved back to Southern California where she continued to work for Smith Barney until retirement.

Finally in 1994, their dream of retirement in North Carolina came true; initially living in Uwharrie Point on Baden lake where they met some wonderful friends and later a full-time residence in their mountain home in Blowing Rock. During their retirement years, they were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and for the first time in their lives applied for passports and traveled the world with friends and family. However, mom’s favorite vacation spot was the North Carolina Beaches. A tradition that started in 1993 (even before they moved back to NC). These were wonderful times for the entire family but held special significance for mom. Despite many health limitations, Helen was able to make a final trip to Oak Island, on the North Carolina Coast in May of this year. A memory that will fill the entire family with joy.

Helen was an accomplished cook and hostess. Many friends and family members will remember her best creations including meatloaf (Alan’s fav), the Sarff version of “pot pie”, Swedish Chicken (a dish her daughters called gourmet), Christmas cookies by the dozens and scratch made buttermilk pancakes. Helen also was a skilled card player with a storied passion for bridge. She actually played bridge twice the week leading up to her death.

The love of her life, Alan A. Fabry preceded her in death 7 years prior. She missed him terribly but persevered because she was not ready to give up on life. Helen is survived by her daughters Cecilia F. Grasinger, spouse John and Carol F. Hall, spouse Jerry; grandchildren Christopher Grasinger (Charlene), Sara H. Arey (Jordan), John Connor Grasinger (Sehee Kim), Rachel K. Hall and Jacob Hall; her maternal cousin Carol Garberg and, of course, her cherished great-granddaughter, Maeva Leona Grasinger.

A memorial service is planned at St. Mary of the Hills in Blowing Rock on October 22, 2023 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her honor to Liberty Hospice and Palliative Care or St. Mary of the Hills Church in Blowing Rock would be much appreciated.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of Briar Creek Health Center, Brightmore of South Charlotte (her residence until February of this year), Liberty Hospice especially Ruth and Tracey (her primary caregiver). We would also like to acknowledge the compassionate doctors that provided her with excellent care, especially Dr. Milas and Dr. Carrizosa of Levine Cancer Institute, Dr. Oliver Jervis with Novant Pulmonology.