Helen Stoner's Obituary
STONER, HELEN, a leading member of the Dennis Sisters performed from coast to coast at a time that can only be described as the "Birth of Show Business". Her career spanned 20 years as she shared the stage with the era's brightest stars. She met her soul mate and late husband Lou Stoner while performing together on the Ted Lewis show. She died peace-fully on Sunday in her home with her doting daughter by her side. She was 99. At 16, Helen's show business career took off. Helen began touring the country to support her family- with 2 brothers and a sister she carried the weight of the family on her shoulders. The great depression was in full force. She maneuvered through this country's most difficult economic time by bringing her beauty, elegance and talent to the stage. She lit up the stage with her one of a kind spirit and zest. During a 1939 audition at the Winter Garden in New York she met her other soul mate- a young Beverlee Soloff-Shere; and began a one of a kind life-long friendship that spanned over 70 years. The girls' adventures took them to all parts of the country. From the Catskills to Las Vegas they broke hearts and stole the spotlight everywhere they went. From the three stooges to the rat pack she reached for the stars and found she was one of them. Her career came to an end soon after appearing on the 2nd Ed Sullivan show with the birth of their first child Jodi. The pair moved to Atlanta to raise their family and share their lives with Beverlee and Hank Soloff of the Coach and Six Restaurant. In 1958 they celebrated the birth of their son Adam. Helen moved to Miami Beach after the death of her husband in 1973, Helen was an amazing wife and mother. She was an exemplary role model, leading her family with love, courage and heart. Family came first. Once she sent her two children into the world her focus turned to her two grandsons, Lee and Lonny and her granddaughter Shara (Lee's wife). She guided them and loved them with the full focus of her love, insight and endless attention. It was a magical bond, a second generation she set out into the world. She was not done. Her crowning achievement was her great-grand children Gabriel and Judah Levy, whom she loved with all her heart. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world. "The face that launched a thousand ships". Homer was clearly talking about Helen Stoner. She truly lived life to the fullest in 99 years, guiding three generations, entertaining and traveling the world As her contemporary Frank Sinatra sang she truly did it her way. She is now resting in peace with Lou and is survived by her children (Jodi and Adam), grandchildren (Lee, Lonny and Shara) and her great grand-children (Gabriel and Judah). Her best friend of 75 years Beverlee Shere and nieces Lori Gersh Ostrich and Randi Goldblatt and TJ Gersh. In place of flowers, please send a contribution to your favorite charity. A private graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta. Arrangements by Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 865-2353
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