I thought of Wendy today, wondered what she was up to and decided to look her up. Wow, I did not expect this. I am shocked and saddened…gone way too soon. I worked with Wendy at Prentice Hall in the 80s. We were all in our 20s and it was like an extension of college. We’d go out to lunch together regularly and got together outside of work too. I’ll never forget Wendy’s fun loving personality, wit and humor, and like so many others, her bright, beautiful smile. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

I was looking to reconnect with Wendy and googled her only to find she had passed away. I haven't seen Wendy since we were young.  We were very close friends at camp and I have such fond memories of her.  I never forgot her, especially as we shared a birthday. So sad to hear this news.

I happened to see the terribly sad news about Wendy in today's paper.  My family lived across the street from you on Stony Brook Road many years ago.  I babysat for your children a couple of times, and my younger sister Nancy said that before we moved, Wendy was her best friend.  On behalf of the entire Smith family, I send my condolonces on the loss of your lovely daughter and sister.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Smith Curtis

I am truly speechless, at the loss of Wendy. I was thinking of her last month as I do every year on our Birthdays…Hers is the day after mine but as she would always remind me in High School hers was more important. She was an amazing person with a huge heart and Great smile that lit up a room. My favorite story that I think of yearly, around our birthdays (since High School) is when Wendy and I got in to a conversation one day about concerts and artist and I commented to her that I still had not gone to one yet. Well Wendy did not miss a beat so for our Birthdays mine the 6th and hers the 7th she got tkts to a concert and told me it was her birthday present to me and I was going with her. So I said thanks … ok great! I thought who could it be Elton John, Bruce, Queen … So I asked her,  So… who are we seeing and with that she told me. And I looked at her and said who are they? I never hear of them… and Wendy laughed at me and said now you will and you will never forget them… and I have to say it was an amazing concert “Boone town Rats and the Stray Cats” We had such a great time. We continued to go to more in college (in Hartford) SHE WILL BE MISSED I know her spirit will be around but still I was hoping to see her at a reunion or one of the brunches we are doing.
My condolences go out to the Helft family during this terribly difficult time. No words can console you but still “I'm sorry for your loss”… please take comfort that she touched many lives and it is our loss in more than one way.
My kids say I'm old but I still feel like a kid (most of the time). I always say I suffer from Peter Pan syndrome (I don't want to grow up), which is probably why my wife has me classified as her largest child. 
We all know the time line of past, present & future and if all goes as it should the children bury the parents  as  the circle of life continues however, the hiccup or the ripple effect that is always the hardest is when the parent loose a child someone taken way before there time with so much to still offer.  It's this that truly affects us and reminds us of how mortal we really are. 
Last night I logged on to FB to find out that Wendy was gone.  She will be missed and she will be remembered as (I believe) it is our responsibility to find a trait you admired in the person you have lost and try to make it your own and a part of you. Celebrate their life and all the good they had to offer.  Wendy ‘s  smile, laughter, sense of humor and sarcasm are just the tip of the iceberg when I remember her she was a strong force that will truly be missed. 
As we walk down the road of life for as much as we are individuals we are too a collection of all that have touched us and eventually made us into what we are to become in the future. 
Yet brief I'm so glad I got to know her and I am better for it even though I was just scratching the surface.
All my best,
Rick Satel
799 Millbrook Rd. 
River Edge, NJ 07661

I hired Wendy at Ricoh and I was always so impressed by her creative capbalities and work ethic. She and Phil Hellman (who spoke so eloquently today at her service of their comradship)worked so well as a team and they perfomed at the highest levels for over 15 years. They made me look so good for so many years.
Wendy was also afflicted with the same form of Leukemia that took my wife only 18 months ago. Many of her Doctors and Nurses were the same dedicated people I met at HUMC. 
After Wendy's service I revisited all of them and brought some donuts. They were pleased ... and I know that Wendy would also have been smiling. 

I know too well what she went through and I believe that she faced her fate so very bravely.

God rest your soul, Wendy. You deserve the rest. 

Robert Ingoglia, Flanders, NJ

Wendy and I shared a lot of terrific times together - we clicked as soon as she started at Ricoh.  We had a lot of laughs (as one would w/Wendy) and we were quite impulsive - which complimented each other.   
I am very grateful to have know Wendy and that we even had good laughs while she was ill.  It's so hard to believe she is no longer with us (but is still in our minds and hearts) never to be forgotten.  I wish Gary and family a special healing and beautiful memories.

Today we shared with Robert and Lucille, Gary and Michael our condolences for their heartbreaking loss and celebrated the 16 years we were privileged to have shared with Wendy.  We wish to her family consolation and peace.

Wendy was a joy to be around. So sorry to hear that she has left us at such an early age. I also express condolences on behalf of Alan Krushinskie, who worked for her at Prentice-Hall.

Wendy will always remain in my memory as a vibrant, life loving woman and dear friend, never wanting for a smile. She will be dearly missed. May her memory be a comfort and blessing always.

Your family has my  my deepest sympathy on the death of Wendy. I hope your  warm memories  bring you comfort.  She will always have a special place in my heart and the heart of my daughter. We will miss you Wendy.

Very sorry to know about your great loss. Wendy was a wonderful person. We will always miss her. My deepest condolences are with you. She will always be in our hearts and may her soul rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Wendy Jill Helft

February 7, 1963 – March 5, 2014

Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors

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