The eldest of the two daughters of Leo and Goldie Berman, Helen was born and raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, N.Y. with her sister, Marian, who pre-deceased Helen. She graduated from Samuel J. Tilden High School and from secretarial school. She was a gifted pianist.
Helen married Jack Kessler in 1947, and the two enjoyed over 66 years together before his passing in 2014. Before moving to Verona in 2008, Helen and Jack raised their family in Asbury Park and Livingston, N.J.
Helen is survived by her beloved children, Andrew (Jane), Marty (Barbara), and Ginny (Jeffrey); her cherished grandchildren, Nicole (Jonathan), Alex (Ally), Noah (Jodi), Brent, Mickey (Ronya), Devin, and Aliza (Yoni); and her great-grandchildren Jack, Owen, and Willa. She was also a loving Aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
Helen was incredibly kind and loving to all who met her, and she was devoted to her family and extended family. She welcomed everyone into her home, was the consummate host, and famous for her holiday meals and ice cream cake. She especially enjoyed doting on her seven grandchildren and made sure to spend special time with each of them. Throughout her life she had many dear friends, enjoyed a fulfilling social life, and her weekly mahjong game was a source of joy for decades.
We are all so fortunate to have spent so much time in her company, and will cherish forever the heartfelt moments she shared.
A private funeral was held for family on Tuesday, July 21st.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.org), Girls, Inc. (www.girlsinc.org), and Temple B’nai Abraham (tbanj.org/donate-temple-funds/).
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