Messages from friends

Thanks to all our friends, who heard that my mom passed away last Thursday, and have sent notes and words of love and compassion. To everyone who would like to, we will be at home this Saturday evening and all day Sunday to observe in some manner the Jewish tradition of Sitting Shiva - days of mourning. Please come and help us celebrate and remember.

i'll bring the mandelbrot.

-Charlotte

Helen lived her life to the fullest even to the end. I am so glad that she spent that time with Sam in Alaska. What a great Grandma. If I could only be half as good as her with my Grandson, I would be delighted. I am glad I shared the same bed that she also slept in, maybe her goodness, her kindness, her grateful and hopeful spirit did and will rub off on me. If my son Dan were here he would say, “the DNA did rub on you, Dad.”

I am sorry our busy lives grew apart since the last book group. I have been so busy with teaching….and now Mary Ann and I are buying a house here in Magnolia and should close on the 20^th. That means another move for me….and wasn’t it you that moved me all of those times? A true friend, even if we don’t drink Red Bull and Vodka as a habit.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Charlie. Lots of Helen’s spirit and love have rubbed off on you. Be happy that you continue her life by you living to your fullest. Be sad that she cannot share that life. Yet, she lives on in you.

Love to you and your family. Fond memories and future adventures.

Jim J

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you both and your family
and sending blessings your way. May the stories of Helen go on.

Love you -Carmen and Family

We were stunned to learn that our dear beloved Helen is gone. She was, in her own words, an absolute "doll."

We will miss her.

-Sara and Eric

We are sending you loving thoughts and remembering your mom with great fondness.

Much love to all four of you.

-Peg

I am deeply, deeply sorry to hear about Helen. Please convey my condolences to Charlie and your family. I always loved Helen, her commitment to her grandchildren, her wonderful humor, sense of respect, and of course the bread that she made. You are in my prayers, and I will light a Votive Candle in Helen's honor this Saturday and pray for the peaceful repose of her soul- she has definitely earned it.

Thanks for sharing- All the best Sylvia - Bill

Oh Sylvia, my love to you and Charlie. I'm so sorry you lost your beloved Helen. The loss is deep but it was a life well-lived and full of love. You can be grateful for that. I'll come by this weekend.

Lani xo

Oh Sylvia, I am so sorry to hear about Helen's passing away. She was one of a kind, and the world is a poorer place without her. I hope you, Charlie, Sam and Sophie are able to take a measure of comfort from the long and happy life she lived. And from the many, many people who will miss her.

All the best to you and the family,

-Vicki

So sorry we were not here for this. We were in Orlando welcoming Vinnie's new grandbaby. Our thoughts are with you all. Helen was an inspiration and it was an honor to know her. Will call you soon.
-xooxoxxoxo jeanne and vinnie.

Sitting shiva - days of mourning

We are all home. It was an emotional time but it was a good send off for a remarkable woman. Now my sisters and I are each continuing, in our own homes and with our extended families and friends - so many people in our lives that were touched by mom will have an opportunity to come to our homes to pay respects, reminisce, raise a glass to toast to their friend.

for the last time...oh oh oh

Mom had another heart attack today. Ellie was there, mom complained of real bad heart burn, ...and that was it, her heart stopped. Ellie turned back the medical staff from performing any resusitative procedures, as mom had wished.

We all have our stories to tell, to ourselves, and to each other. I am so sorry I didn't get to see her again. I am so grateful for Ellie and Abbie for being able to be with her for the past few days.

sweater made in 1966 for Barry, now worn by Seth

Niagra Falls Wax Museum

Mom has been in the hospital for three days. She had a heart attack. She is 92 years young. Sylvia and I will be flying to Florida on Friday. I was up in the middle of the night and thinking about her. When I first got the call it seemed like she would be fine and I might wait a month or so to visit but now it seems like I am constantly wondering...is this her last breath? No, it can't be, she is going to get on her feet again.

This is my blog - celebrating my mom, Helen Margolis. Everyone will tell you, she is a remarkable woman. Everyone who meets her loves her. She is one of the great New York Jewish Grandmothers (NYJG's). She was born in New York, and has traveled in many parts of the country and in the world, but she is always and unmistakenly a Jewish woman from New York.

My mom has a reputation...actually she has many reputations(I'll let you all post to the blog with your own Helenisms). She is famous for going on a plane or train and the person sitting next to her will inevitably be part of mom's address book. Over the many years she has been out here visiting us, she has become very friendly with many of our friends. "Our friend Helen" was Tom's phrase to help me step back from some of the difficult mother-son conflicts. Everyone else who met mom thought she was great, really engaging, and a delight. Why would I have any reason to be annoyed with her? Just take a breath and...repeat...Our friend Helen, Our friend Helen.

I hope you will add your own thoughts, stories, pictures, or just enjoy the posts.