Helen Rifkin's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Helen Rifkin. She fought death with all she had, but in the end she left to join our father quietly and, we hope, joyfully at their reunion after nearly forty-three years of being apart. Helen Cohen was born almost 97 years ago in Harlem and raised with her two older brothers and older sister in Brooklyn. As the baby she was everybody’s little darling, and as the most talented member of the Cohen family she never relinquished that favored position. She was an extremely gifted painter and an amazing vocalist. She was a self taught knitter and was able to knit pretty much everything, from a gorgeous sequined evening gown to exquisite dolls with almost lifelike faces. Going to work as a bookkeeper at Star Coat Makers brought her in contact with the boss’ recently widowed son, Jack Rifkin. Their first date was to see the movie “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” and the theme of that movie became “their song” and a definition of their life together. They were married in 1956 and Helen became an instant mother to Steven and Brenda. A year later they added Abbe and the year after that they welcomed Charlene. Their family was complete. They moved to Miami Beach in 1970, where they purchased their dream home on the water. Jack was a salesman who raised orchids and Helen went to work for the Miami Dade Public Schools as the Attendance Secretary at Miami Beach Senior High. Tragedy struck when Jack died suddenly in 1976. Helen got a second job at Neiman Marcus, and eventually moved to Hallandale’s Three Islands where she thrived. She made lots of friends and became active in the Three Islands Papanicolau Cancer Care. Helen was blessed to be loved by her four children Steven (Monica), Brenda, Abbe (Scott) and Charlene (Eddy of blessed memory), her seven grandchildren, Robyn (Tom), Susan (David), Justin, Jennah (Jared), Lindsie, Jarrett, and Eric (Ashley), and her two adored great-grandchildren, Jacob and Sadie, as well as many cousins and friends. Services will he held on Monday, July 1st at noon at Beth David Memorial Gardens, 3201 N. 72nd Avenue, Hollywood with internment next to our father at Mount Nebo Cemetery, 5505 NW 3rd Street, Miami (not the Mount Nebo In Kendall). Shiva will be observed after the services on Monday until 8pm and on Tuesday from 4-8 at 10981 NW 7th Court, Plantation. Contributions to shiva can be made at shiva.com under the name of Helen Rifkin. Donations in Mom’s memory can be made to Three Islands Papanicolau Cancer Corps.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?
