Helen Mae Staley, 91, of Rochester, Minnesota, died August 15, 2026, following a brief illness.

Helen was born May 3, 1935, in Madison, Wisconsin, to John and Helen Dvorak. She spent her early childhood on Madison's east side before her family moved to McFarland, Wisconsin, when she was 12. She earned a teaching certificate from Wisconsin State College, Oshkosh, and later earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

On June 23, 1956, Helen married Donald Roger Staley, beginning a marriage that would span over 68 years. Together, Helen and Don raised five children and built a life that took them from Wisconsin to Iowa and Minnesota, eventually settling in Rochester, where Helen and Don lived for more than 30 years.

Education was an important part of Helen's life. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and later worked in special education, teaching children with learning and emotional or behavioral disabilities. Her commitment to children and education extended well beyond the classroom. Over the years, she volunteered in her children's schools, served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, and taught religion.

Helen was a strong and determined woman with a quick, no-nonsense wit. Above all, she cared deeply about her family and friends and had a gift for keeping people connected. She remained in touch with college roommates throughout her life and maintained close ties with friends and extended family, even as the years and miles separated them.

Family holidays and gatherings were a lifelong focus for Helen. She was an enthusiastic cook and hostess who welcomed many people to her table over the years. Her children remember the birthday cakes she baked especially for them, decorating each one to reflect that child's interests. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, and spending time with the people she loved.

Helen and Don shared a particular love of ballroom dancing and were admired by many for their smooth and effortless moves across dance floors. In later years, they enjoyed traveling together on cruises. They traveled through the United States and to destinations around the world, including Europe, Canada, and the Amazon. After moving to Charter House in Rochester, Helen and Don embraced another new community, making friends and enjoying an active social life there. She remained independent until her death at age 91.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; her parents, John and Helen Dvorak; and her siblings, John Dvorak, Richard Dvorak, Robert Dvorak, Thomas Dvorak, and Mary (Dvorak) Dottl.

She is survived by her five children, Helen (David) Wagner of Kennett Square, PA; Donald Staley of Des Moines, IA; Deborah (Christopher) McGuire of Montgomery, MN; Timothy (Julie) Staley of Irvine, CA; and Patrick (Michelle) Staley of Rosemount, MN; and her grandchildren, Kerrick Staley, Sarah Staley, Kendall Staley, Helen Staley, and Madeline Staley, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 25, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Co-Cathedral. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Macken Funeral Home in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eagles Cancer Telethon or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Helen lived a long life grounded in family, friendship, service, and a determination to remain engaged with the people and world around her. She would most want to be remembered simply as a good wife and mother. To those who knew and loved her, she was that-and much more.