Obituary: Helen Rusanowsky, 91, Of Milford

Information via Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home

MILFORD, CT ? Helen Irene Solomon Rusanowsky passed away on December 23, 2023 in Milford, CT. She was born to Herman Adolph Solomon and Helen Mary Rindos Solomon in Teaneck, New Jersey on August 29, 1932. She lived in Bergenfield, Little Ferry, and East Patterson New Jersey and would visit her grandfather?s farm in Milford during summers.

When 6 years old, Helen accompanied her mother and brother on a trip around the corner to buy some milk at the Rusanowsky farm on Wolf Harbor Road. Ever vigilant,

Helen noticed two boys playing on the front porch and went to investigate. Four-year-old Daniel and his older brother Paul invited her to join them to play with a windup train. Little did she know, then, that she was destined to marry that boy Daniel in 1958 and they would have five children.

Helen went to Lodi High School in New Jersey and would do the morning announcements and lead the school in a morning prayer, even greeting the mayor of Rome when he visited. Since French was their only common language Helen was able to bridge the communication gap, to his delight, and in all likelihood, the relief of the school?s principal. A lifelong learner, Helen graduated from Montclair State Teacher?s College with a Bachelor?s degree (English major, science minor, and a teaching certificate) and later a Master?s degree in English. Her final academic benchmark as a student was earning a sixth-year degree in Educational Technology from Fairfield University. For the bulk of her 35-year career, Helen taught 7 th and 8 th grade English, first in New Jersey and then at Milford?s Lenox Avenue and Kay Avenue Schools (now West Shore Middle School).

Helen lived a full life in her 91 years enjoying her children, grandchildren, a great-grandchild and several generations of students who fondly called her ?Mrs. R?. An active member of Christ the Redeemer Church, Helen served in various capacities on church boards and leadership opportunities, was active in the Boy Scouts of America and worked the polls for the Republican Party for many years. Many will remember her service as a Red Cross volunteer, especially at local blood banks. Helen?s love of all things

Milford was reflected in her strong record of community service for the Milford Land Trust and other organizations, and her longtime service was recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution?s Excellence in Community Service award. She was known for many creative pursuits, and leaves a legacy of paintings, afghans, sweaters, quilts and some intricate stitchery projects that will be treasured.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, aunts and uncles, and daughter Michele. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Daniel; children Diane, Daniel (Karen), Mark, and Michael; grandchildren Samantha (Alex) Hoffman and Steven Graham Scollon; great-grandchild Theodore Hoffman; her brother Herman J. Solomon. Jr.; cousin Dorothy Kahl Kozlowski; several other relatives from the extended Rindos family and her dear nieces and nephews from the Rusanowsky family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday December 29, 2023 at Christ the Redeemer Church in Milford. Visitation will be earlier in the morning from 9:00am-10:30am at the GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 Bridgeport Ave., Milford. Burial in Kings Highway Cemetery, Milford will follow Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Helen?s memory to the literacy organization, civic

group, or other charity of your choice.