obituaries

HELEN REITH BARR

Posted 6/12/26

Helen Reith Barr (née Winum) of Narrowsburg, NY went home to the Lord on June 4, 2026. Born to Laurence and Florence Winum on....

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obituaries

HELEN REITH BARR

Posted

Helen Reith Barr (née Winum) of Narrowsburg, NY went home to the Lord on June 4, 2026. Born to Laurence and Florence Winum on July 17, 1937, in Richmond Hill, New York, she spent much of her childhood in Honesdale, PA. A longtime resident of Narrowsburg, Helen became a familiar and beloved presence in the community through her years of teaching, volunteer service and active participation in Saint Francis Xavier Parish.

Helen was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose love, guidance and unwavering support shaped the lives of her family and friends. She possessed a rare combination of strength, kindness and optimism, and she had a remarkable ability to see the best in people, encouraging them to see the best in themselves. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and helping others, serving as a source of wisdom, compassion and steadfast support.

As a teacher in elementary and secondary schools, drug rehabilitation programs and adult education classes, she inspired countless students through her patience, dedication and passion for learning. Even in retirement, Helen continued teaching as a volunteer instructor at the local jail, helping inmates strengthen their math skills and pursue educational opportunities. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students who benefited from her encouragement and belief in their potential.

A woman of deep faith, Helen lived her life guided by her religious convictions. She found joy in serving her church community and living according to the values she cherished. Her faith provided comfort and inspiration to those around her and remained the cornerstone of her life.

Helen will be remembered for her loving heart, generous spirit, quick wit and unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of every person she met. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy of love, service, faith and education will continue to live on in the lives she touched.

Helen is survived by her children: Allan Reith Jr. (Leigh), Agnes Casale (Michael), Rebecca Reith (Robert), Thaddeus Reith (So Buasai), Marla Richardson (John), Bartholomew Reith (Audrey), Francine Reith (Robert) and Matthias Reith (Jennifer); her 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Susan Rella (Joseph) and Alice Carver. She was predeceased by her husband Fred and by her brother, Larry Winum (Jeannie).

Family and friends can call on Thursday, June 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home, 3412 Rte. 97, Barryville, NY.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 151 Bridge St, Narrowsburg, followed by interment at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery in Narrowsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Narrowsburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 184, Narrowsburg, NY 12764.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home of Barryville, 3412 Rte. 97, Barryville, NY. 845/557-8010

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