Helen Katz Steinberg, educator, tennis aficionado, and beacon of compassion and generosity to her friends and family, passed away on April 30, 2025. She was 76.

Born in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York to Dorothy "Dash" and Irving Katz, Helen was raised in a home full of music and learning. Her father, a violinist, owned a music store and taught violin. Following in her father's musical footsteps, Helen was a talented pianist who attended the acclaimed High School for Music and Art. Her mother, a teacher, instilled in her a love for education and planted the seeds for Helen's career as an educator. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut, Helen went on to complete her master's degree in Special Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education in New York.

Despite leaving "the city" for Washington D.C., she never lost her New York roots. Helen was convinced that the world started in Brooklyn and was thrilled whenever she met a fellow Brooklynite. She brought warmth, wit, and an infectious sense of joy to all who knew her. Helen was thoughtful, empathetic, and generous, always including others, whether it was a regular weeknight meal or a holiday celebration. She never wanted anyone to be alone.

A lifelong lover of music, she played the piano with grace and spirit - often sharing the bench with family, from duets with her nephew to cherished trios with her father and others. She could play any song by ear and found such joy accompanying others by piano. Her love of the arts extended beyond music; she was an avid reader and enthusiastic member of her book club, always on the lookout for new recommendations. Theater, museums, and cultural events of all kinds - in the United States or abroad - filled her life with energy and meaning.

Helen's true gift was her role as an educator. From student-teacher to coordinator of the Learning Services Program for freshmen at American University to learning specialist at Georgetown Day School and Bishop Walker School for Boys, she could connect with any student. She believed in every student she worked with and found creative ways to support them and help them find success from kindergarten through graduate school. Helen was a firm believer in quality education for every student, regardless of socioeconomic status, and she lived this belief. She was her students' cheerleader, teacher, and biggest advocate. Caring, pragmatic, and committed to changing the world of every student she met - she was incomparable.

Helen approached everything with full-hearted engagement - whether she was playing tennis with her usual competitive spark, preparing her famous Swedish meatballs for every holiday, or laughing in a way that made everyone around her feel lighter. Helen had a knack for turning small moments into lasting memories, guided by a deep appreciation for tradition, family, and fun.  A compassionate and caring individual, Helen maintained friendships from all parts of her life, and she went out of her way to make sure her friends knew they were cared for and valued. She found so much joy being with friends and family in quiet social gatherings and larger celebrations. She had a zest for life and instantly lit up every room she walked into.

Above all, Helen's greatest pride and joy was her family. She and her husband, Paul, were married for 53 years and were true partners until his passing in late 2024. Their home was filled with warmth, generosity, and laughter. Their daughters, Miritte and Arielle, are a reflection of Helen's empathy and kindness, both passionate about helping others and ensuring those around them feel loved. Helen won over her sons-in-law, Blake and Jason, with her cooking and notorious doggie bags, particularly her potato latkes and meatballs. Helen adored her grandchildren, Jake and Ethan, and she was thrilled to be such a big part of their lives, making it to every school event and birthday party, and creating her own adventures with them. The most mundane activities turned magical when they were with their "Ellie." Helen's expertise as an educator was demonstrated through the everyday teachings she provided to Jake and Ethan and are her greatest gift to them.

In times of difficulty, Helen had a rare ability to meet others with clarity, compassion, and humor. She didn't offer empty reassurances; she offered presence and gravity. She listened, steadied, and stayed with you, no matter what. It was this quiet strength and unwavering love that defined her, and that will be missed most of all.

In addition to her daughters and grandsons, Helen is survived by her brothers, Martin Katz and Rob Katz, nephews, Zak Katz (Nathaniel Ament-Stone) and Elan Katz (Adrian Lee), and brother-in-law, David Steinberg (Maureen Michael).

May her memory be a blessing.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 11am, Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, DC with interment to follow at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pencils of Promise , Heifetz International Music Institute or a charity of your choice.