I had always heard about Helen and what a great person she was, but I had never had the pleasure of meeting her until last year.  I found out that she was living in Plantation, Florida only blocks away from me.  We connected and I went by for a visit and what a wonderful visit it was!  She took me to her lovely apartment, gave me a tour and showed me all the lovely things she had that brought her so much joy.  We bonded over our love of arts, crafts & plants.  Then she went to the refrigerator and came back with her favorite candy bar, Goldenberg's Dark Peanuts Chews,  she said Harvey kept her stocked and we sat and ate it together.  We chatted away for hours, like we were two old friends! I left knowing that everything I had heard about her was true!  My condolences for your loss.

Harvey, Barry, Glenn & family,
    Grief.  Grief is the ultimate expression of love.
     After half a century I have more memories of mom than I have days ahead.  Helen was mom to me.  I would call her mom and she would call me son.  Mom guided me, counseled me, humored me, and best of all, she fed me.
     If I was present, I’d be wearing a cap mom bought for me years ago at the general store that used to be in business on Route 74.  It has a diagram of Paradox Lake, my final resting place.
     So many many memories I have.  I have photographs, I have a few voice messages on my phone, I have a round table in the house made by mom.  I have a picture in my mind that nobody can see: it’s mom on her 80th birthday on the deck at her house.  She’s holding a beer and giving me a smile.   
      Helen has moved on to another level.  Her energy has been transformed and thousands of nucleotides are imbedded in Jordan, Joshua and Devin.  Helen lives on.
   Mom will be fondly remembered, sorely missed, and always loved by all who knew her well.  We only die when we are forgotten.

Andrew

A few weeks ago Jordan Devin and I visited Helen in Florida. She was already pretty sick, but I think she blessed us with one last perfect day doing some of her favorite things.  

Although hesitant, we had wanted to do a beach day, but we’re not certain if she was up for it. The next morning, when we showed up at her apt, she was already waiting outside ready for the beach… she had decided for us! 
We first stopped in my parent’s apartment for some food. But she said she wasn’t hungry… that is, until a lox bagel was placed in front of her, which she proceeded to enjoy thoroughly. 
Then we went to the beach. Relaxed. Enjoyed the sun. Played some of her favorite music. Again she said she wasn’t hungry at the beach, until I pulled out the pickles, which she also thoroughly enjoyed. 

Finally we ended the day at her apartment with her favorite game, scrabble. 

At one point while we were on the beach, the song, Dream a little Dream of Me came on, and grandma began to sing along. I’ll always remember that, and I will dream of her and keep her in my heart and mind for the rest of my life.

“I’m a firm believer that when we lose someone close to us, like a father, they continue to live on through us and give us unbelievable strength. They’re so connected to us that they become a part of us.”. With love Clara

OBITUARY

Helen Kesner

June 3, 1935 – June 29, 2024

Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels

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