Helene Lucille Shafran, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5. Born in the Bronx to Samuel and Yetta Hast, she grew up in Willimantic, Connecticut, where her journey of love, family, and service began.

While attending the University of Connecticut, Helene met Rubin, who would become her devoted husband of 59 years. Together, they built a rich life that took them from Connecticut to Massachusetts, Hawaii, Forest Hills, Canarsie, Middletown, Boca Raton, and finally Highland Mills, creating cherished memories in each place they called home. Helene lived her final days in Chester surrounded by her family.

Helene was the proud mother of three sons: Peter (Paula), Jonathan (Karen), and Howard. Her greatest joy, however, came from her eight grandchildren — Jared (Kelly), Ethan (Michelle), Michael, Kayla (Daniel), James, Max, Andy, and Sophie — whose achievements and interests she followed with unwavering enthusiasm and pride.

A woman of many talents, Helene pursued her passion for music early in life, singing in a band in Norwich, Connecticut. She later channeled her energy into a successful career in real estate.

Deeply committed to her faith and community, Helene was a life member of both Hadassah and Sisterhood, actively participating at Temple Sinai in Middletown and B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton. Her dedication to Israel and Jewish causes remained a cornerstone of her life.

Helene will be remembered for her generous spirit, her devotion to those she loved and her remarkable ability to maintain connections with a vast network of friends and family around the world. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the strong family foundation she built.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hadassah or any Jewish organization of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY.