Helen (Jinx) Crouch
After a long and courageous battle against old age, Helen (Jinx) Crouch finally succumbed on
February 28 at the age of 90. Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Jean Crouch Ricci and her
husband Robert; Thomas Crouch and his wife Pamla; Becky Crouch Barrentine and her
husband Curt; and Brad Miller. She was predeceased by daughters Nancy Crouch Clark and
Amy Crouch Miller. Jinx also leaves 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Born in Chicago, Jinx moved to Rochester, NY, graduated from the University of Rochester
(UR), and settled there. She later moved to Cazenovia, NY with her family where she lived for
close to 40 years. Divorced, she raised five children on her own. Starting in Rochester and
throughout her years in Cazenovia, she devoted herself to improving and furthering mental
health care, women’s reproductive rights, and adult literacy among other causes. She was an
active volunteer in and leader of many non-profit organizations, including the Health Association
of Rochester and Monroe County (NY), the National Council of Alcoholism, the Monroe County
Mental Health Association, the Volunteer Bureau of the Rochester Council, the Junior League of
Rochester, Planned Parenthood, UR Alumnae Association, the League of Women Voters, the
National Coalition for Literacy, English at Large, and Literacy Volunteers of America where she
held positions of volunteer through Executive Director over the course of nearly 30 years.
Jinx was the recipient of numerous awards and appointments based on her dedication to these
causes. Among those are the UR’s Fannie Bigelow Alumnae Award (1971) for demonstrating a
deep sense of civic responsibility; founding member of the American Bar Association Task
Force (1986) on Literacy to develop literacy outreach programs for prison populations; winner of
the first annual Harold W. McGraw Prize in Education (1988) given to honor those with a lifelong
commitment to education and finding innovative ways to further its delivery along with the
Former US Secretary of Education Terrel Bell and Senator Claiborne Pell of RI; UR’s Charles
Force Hutchison and Marjorie Smith Hutchison Medal (1989), the University’s highest honor
given for outstanding achievements and notable service to community, state, or nation;
appointed by President George H.W. Bush to the first National Institute Board for the National
Institute for Literacy (1992). She was also a charter member and past Chairman of the National
Coalition of Literacy.
Jinx moved to Lexington, MA in 2006, where she has been supported by family, caring doctors,
friends old and new, and by a neighborhood of open arms, homes, and hearts. She was an
extraordinary woman and will be missed.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 2:00 PM at The Church
of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington MA, reception immediately following. In
lieu of flowers, share some one-on-one time with an elder or make a donation in Jinx’s
memory to Planned Parenthood Federation, The Children's Room of Arlington, MA, or
a charity of your choice.
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Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Holding Jinx and all of you in the light.
May Jinx’s memory always make you smile. An extradoniary woman “gone from our sight” but never forgotten. Love and prayers to Becky and family.
Jinx was a special friend and I have so many great memories. I remember being interviewed in her home so I could take care of Amy, who ended up like a daughter. We had many times of laughter and my girls can share with you the “hidden” spots in the house across from Brewster. Jinx will never be forgotten. Our love and prayers to all the family.
It was an honor and privilege to know Jinx. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and active member of so many important organizations and causes. She was a woman ahead of her time in so many ways. And she was so much fun! I’ll always hold dear memories of driving through The Alps with her (!) and staying at her lovely home during Becky’s wedding. Thoughts & prayers to Becky, Jean and family members. She’ll be missed!
My heart is filled with sadness on Jinx’s passing. It also is filled with joy, knowing she is home with Amy and Nancy. All of you will ALWAYS be a part of my life. Love to my Sisters and Brother.
I’ll always remember her for storing the Harley Tom and I shared for many years. I also recall a picture of her receiving an award from the President. She was a great lady and will be missed. I have a few other stories but won’t commit them to the written record as they might get be Tom in trouble!
As I reflect, I have to say my favorite memory of the Crouch household was the perpetual ironing, especially the underwear. Always gracious and gentle, she was a calm to the group of girls, who were mildly put, rambunctious. So honored to know a woman whose dedication to service of others was such a vital role in her life. Thinking of you all, love Laurie
We all saddened to hear of Jinx’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and a joy to work with at Planned Parenthood in Syracuse, NY. – Carolyn Parr
What a wonderful, caring and giving and kind woman she was.
Her kindness changed my life forever.
And I do remember ALL that ironing!!
Even the underwear!
There aren’t words enough to thank her for all she’s done.
She’ll always hold a special place in my heart ❤️
Jinx was a wonderful mentor, coach, and leader. As Executive Director of LVA, she gave me many opportunities to grow, learn, and develop my talents and skills. My thoughts are with her family. Her light will be missed. Peace.
Sending you all love and comfort and my deepest sympathies! I loved getting to know Jinx over the years… what a great person! Her life inspires us forever.
I just now heard of Jinx’s passing. I’m Ruth Colbim founder of LVA and we worked together for years in literacy. Jinx was one of our leaders who was passionate about literacy, always being creative in opening new doors to our success.
Jinx’s life was a full service to others. My deepest sympathy. Sincerely. Ruth Colvin
Remembering Jinx Crouch is a continuing joy, something I’ve done for many years now. When she was active in adult literacy the field was bubbling with energy and caring and an array of other dedicated leaders. I think of such people as Paul Delker and Garrett Murphy and Cheryl Keenan and Barbara Bush and Judy Koloski and Cheryl King …. the list is long and amazing.