Helene was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1946, the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Holly) Kiesel. She was raised and educated in Scranton attending Saint Josephs’ Parochial School later attending the former Windham College in Putney where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree, and went on later in life to receive her Masters of Fine Art from Marywood University, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She had been employed at the Winston Prouty Center, Community College of Vermont and worked as an art instructor and was an accomplished artist. Most importantly Helene was a devoted volunteer and member of her beloved community. Some of her volunteer and committee positions included; Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Brook’s Memorial Library, Brattleboro Library Fine Arts Committee, Development Review Board, Conservation Committee, River Gallery School, a Town Meeting Representative and a long standing parishioner of St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. Helene was most proud of founding Trees Please and being part of the town of Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee. During her tenure on the committees she was instrumental in the planting of hundreds of trees throughout Brattleboro. She was known for her passion, commitment and her steadfast dedication to enhancing Brattleboro’s green spaces. Helene strongly advocated for trees being a part of any landscape if she had a say. She believed trees were the answer.
At her core, Helene was an artist, not only in the traditional sense, which was represented in her abstract artwork, but in the way she cared for her extensive flower gardens, the restoration of her farmhouse, textile creations, putting together floral pieces, and to creating a home that displayed her many passions. She even allowed her husband to showcase some of his many collections.
In conjunction with her love for art, some of her other loves were; prolific reading, rapid walking (you were only welcome to join her if you could keep up), visiting trees where ever she traveled to, her favorite being the Copper Beach Tree, taking time to enjoy captured moments of beauty in the minutia, be it the afternoon light through a window to a lovely vista.
On August 21, 1972 in Newfane, Vermont, she was married to Robert Henry who survives and currently is a resident at Vernon Green. Besides her faithful and devoted husband of 48 years she leaves two daughters, Lauren Brown, her husband Steve, grandchildren, Huxley and Eloise of Brattleboro, and Susan Schoenecker, her husband Jonathan, grandchildren, Tyler and Abigail of Nashville, Tennessee, one brother, James Kiesel of Fairmont, Minnesota, a sister, Joann Bender of Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania, and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, Helene was a devoted and loyal friend, maintaining deep relationships that included groups, big and small, that met consistently for many, many years, whom she regretfully leaves behind.
During the last 10 years of her life in a slow transformation brought upon by Alzheimer’s. The condition gradually stripped away the sharp intellect and wit, that had characterized Helene, she still continued to display her humor, determination, craftiness and speed through her last days.
The family would like to extend deep gratitude to the staff at Vernon Green for the thoughtful care, support and love of Helene.
A private family ceremony will take place with immediate family.
There will be a celebration of life at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to: Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee, 230 Main Street, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301.
To share a memory or send condolences to the family please visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Published by The Brattleboro Reformer on Aug. 14, 2021.
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