Helene Irma Swirsky, May 7, 1929 to December 14, 2019. Our loving mother, recently of Lafayette, CA,  passed away peacefully at home with family and hospice support at her side.

Helene is survived by her two devoted daughters; Amy (Steve) Wollins of Rockville, MD and Ellie (Jeff) Kann of Lafayette, CA; her cherished four grandchildren, Michael (Rose) Wollins and Elissa Wollins, David and Jacqueline Kann and nieces Brenda Friedler and Rhoda Hershatter. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Samuel J. Swirsky and her parents, Dora and Jim Berman of Syracuse.

Helene was born and raised on Raynor Avenue in Syracuse, New York. She often reminisced and told stories about her wonderful childhood surrounded by a very close knit and large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Helene and Sam started their life together in Syracuse. Sam's career aspirations took their growing family to Buffalo, NY; Purchase, NY; Richmond, VA; Greensboro, NC and finally retiring in Boynton Beach, FL.

Helene was an avid tennis player well into her 80's and was an excellent cook and baker. She was frequently asked by friends and family to bake her famous chocolate chip cake. Her quick wit, spunk and humor made her fun to be around. She had great style and was always beautifully dressed. Helene adored family above all and touched us profoundly. We are thankful for having her in our lives and will be missed forever.

Graveside funeral services were held on December 17, 2019 at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg, Maryland. In Helene's memory, donations can be made to Hospice of the East Bay or a charity of choice.

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