Sylvia Helfen

Born March 31, 1925, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Max Shriber and Mary (Gottlieb) Shriber. Sylvia lived a life of purpose, dedicated to her family and friends.

Sylvia married her beloved husband, Ralph Helfen, of blessed memory, with whom she shared more than 37 years of love and partnership. Together they built a home grounded in family, tradition, and togetherness — first in Mattapan and later in Brookline, where their lives were filled with the laughter of their three girls, and love for each other.

Sylvia was fastidious by nature and worked as a bookkeeper for several companies in Boston throughout her career. Later in life, she volunteered many hours at Hebrew Senior Life as a companion for residents.

Sylvia was known for her warmth, pragmatism, wise advice, delicious baking, and steady resilience. She loved being by the ocean, listening to music and dancing, reading mystery novels, playing games, cheering on Boston sports teams from her den, and knitting sweaters for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She appreciated the simple joys of everyday life — a cup of tea shared with a friend, a meal surrounded by family, and a hot fudge sundae savored in solitude. She enjoyed imbibing Kahlúa sombreros on the front porch in Hull and being smothered by the hugs of her great-grandchildren.

Having seen so much change throughout her lifetime, she often confidently reassured others that, “this too shall pass.” Even in her hundredth year, she remained in good health, keeping track of the details of every relative’s life, and attending so many of the events and activities offered at her residence in Las Vegas. She was the quiet strength of her family; her mind was sharp until her final days.

She is survived by her devoted daughters Carol Wallach of Newton MA , Renee Braunsdorf (and her husband Mark Braunsdorf) of Tampa FL, Laurel Lardent of Arlington, VA, her beloved grandchildren Jennifer Wallach (and her husband Daniel Penrod), Maxim Lardent, Rebecca Wallach (and her husband Eric Roberts), Ranen Lardent (and his fiancée Mor Yahalom), Jacob Braunsdorf (and his wife Nina Braunsdorf), Hannah Sass (and her husband Michael Sass), and Matthew Braunsdorf (and his wife Caitlyn Braunsdorf), and her 13 cherished great-grandchildren who carry her warmth and wisdom into the next generation. She was predeceased by her loving husband Ralph Helfen, her loving husband Sydney Feinberg, her dear brother Albert Shriber, and her sons-in-law Ira Wallach and Dennis Lardent.

Her family and all who knew her will remember her for her comforting presence, her laugh, her tins of homemade pastries, and her steadfast love. Sylvia’s century of life was a blessing — a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, play, and holding hope for a new day.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, in Brookline @ 12:30 pm with interment following at Stepiner/Baker Street Cemetery, in West Roxbury.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Carol Wallach.

“She is a tree of life to those who hold fast to her, and all who support her are happy.” — Proverbs 3:18

May her memory be a blessing. Yehi zichrah baruch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hebrew Senior Life in Roslindale, MA.