Helen Rose Cassimere Cook Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Helen Rose Cassimere Cook entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 28, 2017. She was born March 8, 1932, the second child and oldest daughter of Raphael Cassimere, Sr. and Estelle Elam Cassimere. She was always the "big sister" to her siblings; in reality, a second mother. Although she christened only her oldest niece, she was "Nanny" to most of her nieces and nephews, rather than "Aunt Helen." Like so many of her depression era generation, she began working at an early age to supplement her family income. She started to work as a domestic on weekends as a preteen. For most of the rest of her life she always worked on at least one, sometimes two jobs. After a failed marriage, she supported herself and son while she returned to school. She was educated at Macarty Elementary, Booker T. Washington, and McDonogh #35 High School from which she graduated in 1949. Helen earned the B.A. and M.Ed. from Southern University. She also graduated from the YWCA School of Commerce and Straight Business College. She taught at William T. Frantz and H. C. Schaumburg Elementary schools in New Orleans and Martha Vinyard in Ponchatoula. She spent most of years at Schaumburg where she was a Master teacher who was recognized for excellence. She also served as the school's Ranking Teacher. She almost always had perfect attendance. Mourning her passing, but rejoicing her home-going are: son, Rodney C. Cook, Sr., daughter-in-law, Zellecka Cook; grandson, Rodney C. Cook, Jr., adopted son, Aaron Ballard (Chantina), and children, Arionne, Ariel, Kameron, and Julius; great-grandchildren Ronjai and Raina Cook; sisters Odessa M. Cassimere, Edith M. Ballard, Leona C. (Eddie) Pitts and Lois C. Camese; brothers: Daniel N. (Gloria) Cassimere, Sr. and Raphael (Inez) Cassimere, Jr.; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors and professional colleagues. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at New Israel Baptist Church, 6322 St. Claude Ave., on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 11:00 am; Visitation begins at 10:00 am; Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery. A Visitation with family will be held at D.W. Rhodes Chapel, 3933 Washington Ave., on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 pm; Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home . Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.