Helen (Sodafsky) Mehlman

Helen (Sodafsky) Mehlman, age 93, passed away on Sunday March 17, 2013, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was born in Vernon, the daughter of the late Sarah and Nathan Sodafsky. At a young age, her family moved to Hartford, where she attended Hartford Public schools and Weaver High School. Following graduation Helen began working for the Silver Brothers company, met and married her beloved Bernie and began raising her children. A few years later, the family moved to West Hartford where she resided for the remainder of her life. For many years, they owned the A. Kamins Department Store in Simsbury. She then worked in the actuary department of the Travelers Insurance Company until her retirement. Helen was a lifetime member of the Emanuel Synagogue, the Emanuel Sisterhood, Hadassah, and the Jewish Community Center. Helen and Bernie, upon their retirements, loved their annual time spent in Siesta Key, Florida and in Ogunquit, Maine. Helen’s greatest joy was her late, wonderful husband and best friend, Bernard Mehlman, her children, grand children, and family. She is survived by her daughter, Linda ( Mehlman) Schwartz, of Huntington, NY and her son, Peter Mehlman and his wife Debbie of West Hartford, her adoring grandchildren, Meredith (Brian) Siegel, of Charlotte, NC, Dina Schwartz of Syracuse, NY and Rebecca Mehlman of Brooklyn, NY. She also leaves two beautiful great grandchildren, Madeline and Jacob Siegel, and many devoted nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Lillian, Jessie, and Miriam, and son in law, Joel Schwartz. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Atria Hamilton Heights for their many years of devotion. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 11:30 am at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave, Hartford. Shiva will be at the home of Peter and Debbie Mehlman through Friday before Shabbat. Evening minyan will be held at 6:45 pm each night. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Emanuel Synagogue or the American Cancer Society. For further information, directions, or sign the guest book for Helen, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.