Helen Louise Navas
Jul. 30, 1943 – Feb. 29, 2020
Helen Louise Navas, 76, of Richmond passed away Saturday, February 29, 2020. Helen retired as a speech pathologist having worked at Richmond Cerebral Palsy Center and Richmond Children’s Hospital, Brook Road Campus. She was the widow of Stanley R. Navas Jr.
Survivors include her son, Alexander C. Gray (Shauna); two grandsons, Adam and Josh Gray; sister, Barbara Shaw (Bill); and long-time companion, T. Hank Cook. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a brother, John Voshardt.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, March 6 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
I have not had the privilege of knowing Helen, but she must have been very amazing to raise her son, Zander. He is a wonderful husband to our daughter, Shauna. I want to pay tribute to her for a job well done. She also has been a wonderful and generous grandmother to Adam and Josh, because one can see how much they loved her.
I really do wish I could have know her, but I am certain that in the life after this, I will have that
Opportunity.
Barbara Harlan
I never met Helen but she filled my brother, Tom Cook, with love and happiness for years. From what I read and hear she was a wonderful special woman who will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace and rejoice in God’s Kingdom of Peace and Everlasting life.
Every Easter, Helen hosted a fun family activity. The first time I participated I was touched by the love and care that went into this event. Upon entering the door we were given an empty basket and specific instructions on where to look. On her cue the annual Easter egg hunt began. Adam and Josh raced past everyone as they quickly gathered their eggs. I soon realized that the 100 eggs hidden outside contained one dollar bills. I decided to pick up my pace! It was fun watching everyone counting eggs to see if all were found. We then enjoyed a lovely dinner. As we were leaving, she gave each of us a basket full of Easter treats. As guest in her home, I left feeling loved and full of gratitude that I was able to share in this wonderful tradition in which I will now continue.
Thank you Helen for leaving me with good memories and for showing me love and kindness. And thank you for raising such a wonderful son!
Still can’t believe Helen is Gone. The most caring person I have ever met. She is Now with her Beloved Stan. She loved him Dearly. Her Patients Loved her & So did their Parents & Caretakers. She ” let the Silent Be Heard.” Iam Sure when she got to Heaven GOD said.Job Well Done .
I met Helen when I started working at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU as an Occupational Therapist back in 2010. We completed Assistive Technology evaluations together, as I was filling in for another therapist who was on maternity leave, and she welcomed me with open arms, made me laugh frequently, and brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. I am sending much love to Helen and her family. She will be missed greatly.
Oh, dear Helen Gray Navas. What an extraordinary human being you were. I am so sorry you are gone from this planet. Tonight when my friends Bootsie and Jim Rogers sent me your obituary, I could scarcely imagine your spirit extinguished. You were such a unique energy.
You entered my life as an augmentative speech therapist at The Virginia Home, who miraculously found a way for my brother Stan Navas to initiate speech after being unable to do so for nearly twenty years. You were his miracle worker and ultimately became much more. You became his friend, his traveling partner, and his wife. For years, you hosted the annual Navas Christmas party heralding his continuing influence with his old Richmond friends and making a rich social life for him. You protected and loved Stan, something that assured me that he would never want for attention and care. I will forever love and remember you for that. For Zander and your grandchildren, I offer my sympathy and that of my family. Peace and affection for you always. The Navas Family
Helen married my cousin, Stanley R. Navas, Jr., and gave him an incredibly happy life. Their love story is one that continues to inspire and move me. Helen was so many things: loving, caring, fun, hardworking, smart, committed, tenacious, creative, and indefatigable. She adored her family; you did not know Helen without knowing about Zander and his family, as well as Helen’s siblings. She was a delight to know and will be missed very much. I’m so grateful to have known her and for her enormous imprint on our family, near and far. My condolences to all of Helen’s family and friends–you are in my prayers for peace.
My deepest condolences. I worked with Helen at Children’s Hospital and she was a warm and caring woman dedicated to assisting our patients with being able to communicate. She will be truly missed.
Helen was the love of my life. Miss her very much.Amazing lady. Love always . Hank
Missing You. Hank
Still missing Helen. After a year. She Was a Wonderful Person & The Love of My life. One Day I will See Her & Stan in Heaven. She Loved Him Dearly.