Helene Fagin

Veering into mid-life, never-idle Helene Fagin took it upon herself to seek higher education. Ever fascinated and long-engaged with Art and Humanity, she soon secured a PhD, and pursued a lengthy career of sentient and empathetic guidance to those who sought her counsel. Her doctoral thesis, 'Creativity and Dreams' spoke to Helene's belief that nocturnal odysseys often awaken artistry. Early-on, painters, poets, sculptors and dancers inhabited her realm of interest. From her childhood in the Bronx, studying Interpretive Dance with Ruth St. Denis, to her half- century of rapturous ballroom spins with husband David, she effortlessly aligned music with movement. This unabashed obsession with The Arts prompted Helene and Dave Fagin to frequently explore distant geographies. Each adventurous odyssey etched vivid memories shared with Cliff and Cathy (the progeny) in colorful dispatches from faraway countries. After David's tragic death, Helene soloed for several years. Moving through her loss, she recognized the light of immersion into the cultures of the world she loved. She soon gained strength, inspiration, and new self-awareness, as a frequent attendee of myriad museums, exhibitions, theater, and multi-genre musical offerings. Her sustained acquaintance with creativity enhanced a new confidence; beckoning new friendships. With her wonderful later-in-life mate, Sidney Silberman, who shared similar curiosity and passion for visionary endeavors, she once again stepped out and traveled to destinations both exotic and familiar. Until Sidney's death in 2003 they shared habitation in White Plains, NY and Longboat Key, Florida. It was at her home in Longboat, easing through her one hundredth year, that Helene died on November 15th. She leaves an unfettered legacy of love for those who encountered her. Her often sought, well-considered and doled advice, was pared with an inherent ability to listen and to hear. Her measured, kind, responses were always tempered with wit, compassion, and a keen sense of irony. Terre Roche, a dear friend of Helene’s — and her favorite musician — penned a poignant farewell. Here it is in part: For Helene I would love to find the words Cause that’s what I’m good at The words to help you on your way And be a part of that... The journey that we never know Those of us still here And wondering where did you go And is it someplace near And I am someone who You reached across the aisle And pulled into your shining sphere And had my back all the while I look up at the night sky And see the shivering star Hoarding all its mystery “Good night, Helene, wherever you are.”

Tributes

Helene Fagin

November 15, 2022