Obituaries

79, of Chelsea, MI, and more recently of Glenview, IL, died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on February 23rd, 2024.  A lover of wildlife, nature, gardening, and animals, she had recently moved from her home in the countryside in Michigan to be near family.  As was her typical fashion, she had made several new and dear friends almost instantly.  

Helena was born in Riverside, CA, but spent most of her childhood in the Detroit metro region.  She is survived by her brother Joel (Anne) Hodgson and her dear cousins Polly and Mary Ann.  

On February 6, 1976, she married her beloved husband, Stewart Henry Robinovitz, and he preceded her in death. Children Isaac (Annemarie) and Miriam (Victor) survive.  

Helena was active in her many communities, and she had a gift of bringing people together.  For several years she was an educator at the Waterloo Recreation Center and later contributed to talent development in Chelsea Public Schools.  She was the director of religious school for several years in Temple Beth Israel of Jackson, MI, and later was an active volunteer at the the Back Door Food Pantry and Alpha House of Ann Arbor, MI.  She also volunteered with Jackson Audubon Society, Haehnle Sanctuary, and the Waterloo Farm Museum.  She was a recent congregant of Makom Solel Lakeside of Highland Park, IL, and was previously a member at Temple Beth Emeth and Congregation Beth Israel, both of Ann Arbor, MI.  

Helena was a beloved friend to many.  She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Her light, strength, and enthusiasm for life will be treasured always. 

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 1:00 pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Helena was buried beside her husband, Stewart, in Arborcrest Memorial Park of Ann Arbor, Michigan following the service. Rabbi Nadav Caine of Congregation Beth Israel  officiated.   Shiva will be observed at the home of Harvey and Deborah Juster in Ann Arbor, MI, following the burial and again on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.  

Donations in her memory can be made to Alpha House, Back Door Food Pantry, Congregation Beth Israel of Ann Arbor, Chelsea Cancer Center, Unity Hospice, and Haehnle Sanctuary.  No flowers please.  

Click here to watch the video of Helena's funeral, or you can watch it on the Beth Israel Youtube Channel: Helena Robinovitz Funeral (youtube.com)

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