Helen Kurau

Helen Jane Kurau, aged 90, Englewood, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025. She was born on April 18, 1935, in Torrington, CT. Her parents were Florence Elizabeth Whiting and Merle Catlin Kurau.

She attended grammar school in Northfield, CT and graduated high school in Litchfield, CT in 1953. Her old, white horse Tommy used up her youthful spare time. With her husband, Raymond LeJeune of Torrington, CT, she had 4 children who predeceased her: Michelle LeJeune DeGray, Beth Ann LeJeune, Douglas LeJeune, and Christopher LeJeune.

Helen moved to Englewood, FL with her partner, Chester Zaleski of Mill River, MA. She had been a church and choir member in CT since her youth and also got great joy from St. David's Episcopal Church in Englewood where she again sang in the choir and was part of the Cursillo worship group. She also sang in the Fun Chorus, which performed an annual concert and visited assisted living facilities.

Lone Oaks Campground in E. Canaan, CT was her summer home for many years where she worked, roasted corn and marshmallows over the campfire, gave folks tours, entertained anyone who came to visit, and just generally enjoyed life. She was a very thoughtful person who would anonymously leave a bouquet of flowers on the doorstep of someone who was not feeling well.

Helen is survived by grandsons Matthew Morales of Colebrook, CT, Nicholas DeGray of Torrington, CT, great grandsons Matthew Morales of Torrington, CT, Giovaini Ciacza of TN, and sister Mary Hutchison of Stuart, FL.

A service will be held at East Canaan Cemetery in Canaan, CT in the summer of 2026. Donations in memory of Helen Jane may be sent to St. David's Episcopal Church, 401 S. Broadway, Englewood, FL 34223.