Helen (Klein) Rifkin

Helen Rifkin, 89, of Bloomfield died in New York City on October 15 after a short illness. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 23, 1921, the youngest child of the late Louis and Esther Klein. She was predeceased by her siblings Pauline, Dave, Murray and Ben. In 1941, Helen met Saunder B. Rifkin of Hartford. They became engaged the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, and were married in a quickly organized wartime ceremony 17 months later. On their first anniversary, Saunder received orders to ship out, and it wasn’t until his return from the Pacific in early 1946 that they were reunited. He was the love of Helen’s life, not only for the 33 years they were together, but for the 36 years he’s been gone. Helen was a bookkeeper and enjoyed her years as an Avon lady. With Saunder she was among the early, active members of Beth Hillel Synagogue. She had a beautiful voice and was a longtime soprano in the synagogue choir. She could often be heard singing around the house. Helen was smart, opinionated, witty and kind, and highly independent in spirit until the very end. And how she loved chocolate! She leaves her loving children, Liz and Steve Miller of West Hartford, and Larry and Avnit Rifkin of Jerusalem. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Jason and Sally, Josh and Katie, Robert and Melissa, Noa, Guy, and her granddogs Farfel, Shelby and Teddy. The family would like to thank Helen’s caregivers, Serennia, Anselma, Gloria and Eda, and the staff at the St. Mary Home for their dedication and kindness. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, (October 21, 2010) at Beth Hillel Synagogue, 160 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield. Helen will be laid to rest alongside Saunder at the Beth Hillel Cemetery on Wolcott Rd. in East Granby. Upon returning from the cemetery, her family will receive visitors at 276 Castlewood Dr. in during the afternoon and evening. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beth Hillel Synagogue or to Foodshare, 450 Woodland Ave. Bloomfield, CT 06002.