FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Helen Bessie Rosenfeld Sklarew
09/10/1912 — 09/22/2005
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Halmi, Hungary
Helen Bessie Rosenfeld Sklarew
Helen Bessie Rosenfeld Sklarew, 93, of Richland, died at Kadlec Medical Center on September 22, 2005 following complications from a broken hip suffered in early September. She was born on September 10, 1912 in Halmi, Hungary. Her father moved to New York City in early 1913 and sent for her and her mother within 6 months. Helens three younger sisters were born in this country.
She was a good student, but because of family circumstances was sent to a business training school at the age of 12. She started work as a secretary in a dress manufacturing firm at the age of 14 and supported her three sisters through their college or post-graduate educations. By the time she retired at the age of 59, she was a legal secretary in a chemical patent office. She met her future husband, Marc Sklarew, on the tennis courts in the Bronx and they were married on March 23, 1947. They had one daughter, Debbie, in 1950. After they retired in 1971, Marc and Helen lived in several cities around the country, until they settled in Richland in 1979 to be close to their daughter. Helen always regretted not being able to go to college she attained her GED in the 1960s, so she started taking classes at CBC. She and we were very pleased when she completed her Associate of Arts degree in 1985. Two months later, Helen and Marc were thrilled when their only grandchild, Rachel Berkowitz, was born. Helen and Marc had the best times of their lives babysitting for Rachel for 13 years.
Helen is survived by her beloved and loving family: daughter, Debbie Berkowitz and husband Carl; and granddaughter, Rachel. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Marc in 2003, by her parents, David 1933 and Rose 1987 Rosenfeld and by her three sisters, Frieda, Lil and Irene.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Helens name to Camerata Musica PO Box 615, Richland, the Anti-Defamation League, or a charity of your choice.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 23rd at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Einans Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Fall reminds me of Helen, the scent of apples. Helen taught me how to make applesauce, her way…how to select the best fruit. She wrote the recipe out and sent it to me. I even kept the envelope. Having her handwriting in my address book always seemed important. We ate Helen’s applesauce by the cupful–not spoonful–at the Buddy Group Chanukah dinner. The sweet taste will always remain a special memory.
We shall never forget when Helen and Marc stayed at our house here in Roskilde for a month in Aug/Sep 1989. In spite of their ages 77& 82! they walked with great energy everywhere. It was their first, and only travel outside the US. They had come to celebrate their only grandchild, Rachel’s 4th birthday. Rachel and her parents stayed at our house during a month-long research-stay in Denmark. And we felt so honoured to have the grandparents here, and did our very best to make their stay unforgettable.
In the years to follow we corresponded with Helen who always typed her letters that were interesting and inspiring.
After having watched the film: “Fried Green Tomatoes” I Joan got an irresistible urge to go and see Helen and Marc before it was too late.
So in Aug. 1997 I went on my first, and till now only trip to the US, and was lucky enough to be there to celebrate both Marc’s 90th and Helen’s 85th birthdays with them and their family.
Unfortunately amidst it all Princess Diana died, I sprained my ancle, and was cared for by Helen and Marc in a very loving way. But we never got to watch “Fried Green Tomatoes” together.
We shall always cherish the memories of Marc and Helen who made the long journey to Denmark, all on their own, to be with their daughter, Debbie, their son-in-law, Carl and above all their beloved grandchild, Rachel.
It was such a sign of complete and devoted love, and we felt privileged to witness it.
In today’s world our personal relationships across the borders are so valuable, in fact may be the only thing that in the long run can make us understand each other.
In the loss of Helen one such contact is gone forever. Fortunately we remain in close corresponding contact with Debbie, Carl, and Rachel.
Bertel Køie, Aksel Lønborg Køie, Erik Lønborg Køie and on behalf of all, Joan Lønborg
Roskilde, Denmark
Fall reminds me of Helen, the scent of apples. Helen taught me how to make applesauce, her way…how to select the best fruit. She wrote the recipe out and sent it to me. I even kept the envelope. Having her handwriting in my address book always seemed important. We ate Helen’s applesauce by the cupful–not spoonful–at the Buddy Group Chanukah dinner. The sweet taste will always remain a special memory.
We shall never forget when Helen and Marc stayed at our house here in Roskilde for a month in Aug/Sep 1989. In spite of their ages 77& 82! they walked with great energy everywhere. It was their first, and only travel outside the US. They had come to celebrate their only grandchild, Rachel’s 4th birthday. Rachel and her parents stayed at our house during a month-long research-stay in Denmark. And we felt so honoured to have the grandparents here, and did our very best to make their stay unforgettable.
In the years to follow we corresponded with Helen who always typed her letters that were interesting and inspiring.
After having watched the film: “Fried Green Tomatoes” I Joan got an irresistible urge to go and see Helen and Marc before it was too late.
So in Aug. 1997 I went on my first, and till now only trip to the US, and was lucky enough to be there to celebrate both Marc’s 90th and Helen’s 85th birthdays with them and their family.
Unfortunately amidst it all Princess Diana died, I sprained my ancle, and was cared for by Helen and Marc in a very loving way. But we never got to watch “Fried Green Tomatoes” together.
We shall always cherish the memories of Marc and Helen who made the long journey to Denmark, all on their own, to be with their daughter, Debbie, their son-in-law, Carl and above all their beloved grandchild, Rachel.
It was such a sign of complete and devoted love, and we felt privileged to witness it.
In today’s world our personal relationships across the borders are so valuable, in fact may be the only thing that in the long run can make us understand each other.
In the loss of Helen one such contact is gone forever. Fortunately we remain in close corresponding contact with Debbie, Carl, and Rachel.
Bertel Køie, Aksel Lønborg Køie, Erik Lønborg Køie and on behalf of all, Joan Lønborg
Roskilde, Denmark
Guestbook for
Helen Bessie Rosenfeld Sklarew