Helen (Hannen) White

Khouriyeh Helen (Hannen) White, 88, of Shrewsbury, MA, formerly of Geneva, NY, fell asleep in the Lord, Thursday, August 10th, 2023, after a period of declining health.

Helen was born on July 22, 1935, in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, the daughter of Charles Scott and Mary B. (Lynds) Hannen. She was raised in Parry Sound, Ontario before marrying the Very Reverend Gabriel White in 1956. Fr. White was assigned to St Michael’s Orthodox Church in Geneva, where they spent the majority of their life, raising their children until Fr. White passed away in July of 2009. The following year, Helen moved to Shrewsbury, MA to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. She has lived there ever since.

Helen was a licensed Registered Nurse in upstate NY, primarily working for the Geneva General Hospital before retiring.

Helen is survived by her two children, Selma M. Abdelahad and her husband, the Very Reverend Michael Abdelahad of Shrewsbury, MA and her son, Gabriel Scott White and his wife Lora of Newark, NY; a brother, Rt. Rev. John E. Hannan in Victoria, British Columbia; six grandchildren she adored, Charles, Nicholas, Christopher, Gabriel, Michael and Mariam; 4 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, a brother, Leslie Scott Hannan and sister, Mary Elizabeth Hannan predeceased her.

Helen was a member of St Michael’s Orthodox Church in Geneva, NY and its Women’s Guild. While her family was there for over 34 years, Helen took a leading role in all church activities.  

A period of calling hours will be held Tuesday, August 15th from 10 am to 11 am followed by her Funeral Service at St Michael’s Orthodox Church, 98 Genesee Street, Geneva.  Burial next to her husband will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.  Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St Michael’s Orthodox Church, 98 Genesee St, Geneva.   The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St Worcester and Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home, 28 Genesee St, Geneva are assisting the family with arrangements.   “May her Memory be Eternal.”