Helen C. DeVinney

Helen C. DeVinney

CANASERAGA – Helen C. DeVinney, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Woodside Manor Nursing Home in Rochester, NY; surrounded by her children where she had resided for the past three months.

Known to many as Helen Marie, she was a life-long resident of Canaseraga NY. Born in Hornell, NY on March 27, 1930; Helen was the daughter of the late Frederick “Daniel” and Edith (Bacon) Chapman. On July 23, 1955, Helen was married in Hornell to Joseph R. DeVinney, who predeceased her on November 17, 2018, after 63 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her beloved grandparents, Frederick and Helen Bacon.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Michele (Craig) Brooks; son, David (Maria) DeVinney; grandson, Stephen Joseph DeVinney, several cousins and many loving friends.

Helen was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Canaseraga. A graduate of Canaseraga Central School, Helen went on to attend State University Teachers College at Geneseo but soon left to pursue a career in the Arts. While pursuing her dream of becoming a dance instructor, Helen lived in Rochester, NY and worked at A.O. Smith Corporation. During her time in Rochester, Helen began taking tap lessons at the Val Mates School of Dance. Upon her marriage in 1955, Helen moved back to her home in Canaseraga. In 1963, Helen and her cousin, Patricia Rose, opened a dance studio in Canaseraga, and so the dream began; The DeVinney and Losey School of Dance was formed and was located above Harry Knight’s Hardware Store. The studio was later moved to Dansville, NY, to her cousins’ home. Helen joined Dance Masters of America and travelled frequently to Rochester and NYC to take classes and become certified in teaching dance. In 1974, Helen became the solo owner of the dance school, and it was renamed, The DeVinney School of Dance. In the late 1970’s, Helen relocated her studio to the Masonic Temple in Dansville, where she remained until her retirement in the early 2000’s. During her tenure, Helen taught all forms of dance; modern, jazz, ballet, tap, pointe and ballroom to children, teens, and adults. Helen’s dance school members participated annually in the Dansville Dogwood parade with a float and performances, along with taking annual trips to NYC where students attended dance workshops, took in a Broadway show and had the opportunity to tour “The Big Apple.” Helen also gave back to the local communities in Dansville and Hornell by holding annual Christmas dance shows to entertain residents at hospitals, nursing homes and the Bath VA. Helen truly loved teaching dance and made many life-long friendships along the way.

Besides her strong faith and love for her family, Helen loved living in the rural community of Canaseraga. Her strong family roots of being the third generation of growing up on the family farm molded her love for all animals – big & small, gardening and tending to her flower beds. Helen genuinely loved living in the peace and quiet of the countryside.

The old saying that “It takes a village,” Helen’s family would like to thank the following who made it possible for her to have lived as long in her home as she did. Home and Healthcare Services, Inc. in Hornell, Dr. Nasar Chaudhry, Allegany County – Office of the Aging & Meals on Wheels, Lifeline service from Noyes Hospital, UR Medicine Pulmonary Dept. – Dr. Anthony Pietropaoli and St. James Primary Care – Dr. Eric Tharmathurai. Most importantly, the family wants to thank all the home health aides, caregivers & visiting nurses that provided in-home care over the past seven years. Your care and compassion went beyond measure and the family cannot thank you enough for the exceptional care you gave to Helen.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell and Celebration of Life at the American Legion in Canaseraga will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025. Times to be announced. Burial will be at the Canaseraga Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, those interested in donating in Helen’s memory are asked to consider The American Lung & Heart Associations, Meals on Wheels, or your local animal shelter.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Helen’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrance of Helen are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.