Helen Uete died peacefully at her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan surrounded by family and friends on April 23, 2025. She was a much loved wife, aunt, friend and woman of strong convictions. She was born Helen Constance Rinehart on September 19, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan. She was welcomed into the family by her parents, Larry and Catherine Rinehart, and her four older siblings—Doris, Richard, Barbara, and Phyllis.

Helen grew up in the family home on Regent St. in Lansing and graduated from Resurrection High School in 1953. From 1955-60, she worked as a flight attendant for Capital Airlines. She then worked for Japan Airlines as a ticket and reservation agent which is how she first met her husband, Hiroyuki Uete in 1965. They were married in Resurrection Church in Lansing December 27, 1966 with all of her extended family in attendance. They were married for 52 years until his death in 2019.

A year after their marriage, Helen and Hiro moved to Nagoya, Japan where they lived for 7 years. They moved back to the US and lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan beginning in 1974. While there, Helen completed her journalism studies with a Master’s degree in Asian Studies in 1978 from the University of Michigan. She and Hiro established Japan-America Management, Ltd., a technical translation service company serving the research needs of auto manufacturers in Southeastern Michigan.

During their years in Michigan, Helen and Hiro frequently wintered at their Florida condo. They also loved cruises, especially on the Queen Mary 2. In addition to her work at the business, Helen enjoyed golf, crocheting, time with friends and University of Michigan football. They were season ticket holders for many years and chose a condo near campus that has a view of “The Big House.”

Helen and her husband funded the Hiroyuki and Helen Uete Fellowships for University of Michigan graduate students in the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Center for Japanese Studies. They both derived significant pleasure and interest in meeting the recipients of these awards on campus each year.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Hiro; her parents; siblings, Doris Reeves, Richard Rinehart, Barbara Camarano and Phyllis Laatsch; and some of her beloved nieces and nephews. She is survived by many of those nieces and nephews whom she had designated “the Great 28.”

Helen’s family would like to express our appreciation for the caregivers from Visiting Angels.

Per Helen’s wishes, no services will be held.