Helain Metsch's Obituary
METSCH, Helain F. (nee Arkush), 86, passed away on September 11, peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Predeceased by her husband, Irwin, parents, Mitchell and Selma Arkush, and brother, Howard Arkush. Survived by three sons Kenneth (Nancy), Adam (Jennifer), and David (Renee) and four grandchildren Elizabeth, Sarah, Daniel, and Benjamin. Born June 30, 1935, in Jersey City, N.J. She graduated from Weehawken High School, N.J. Helain attended the University of Miami (FL) before transferring to (and graduating from in 1957) Adelphi University, Garden City, N.Y. to be near her soon-to be husband, Irwin. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. They were married August 19, 1956. In 1957, they settled in the suburbs of Bergen County, NJ (New Milford), where they began raising their three sons. Their highest priority was providing their sons and their grandchildren with a college education and sustaining their Jewish heritage. Helain enjoyed traveling with her family to Massachusetts to visit her brother, sister in-law (Carole) and their children, Evan and Ellen. Helain liked to visit her extended Arkush family and had fond memories of family reunions organized by her cousin, Eeve Arkush Metsisto. Helain moved with her family to Oradell, N.J. in 1970. She earned a RN degree from Bergen Community College and began practicing nursing in 1973. After nursing, and for 20 years beginning in the 1980's, she enjoyed work as a part-time real estate agent. Helain had drive and tenacity, especially when told something was not possible; she overcame several obstacles with courage and pride. She was gregarious, enjoyed sarcastic humor, and relished conversing with everyone, from her family to the new encounters in the grocery aisle. She was an active member of the New Milford Jewish Center Sisterhood and enjoyed playing Mahjong with her fellow members. She also enjoyed playing Dominos late into the night with her and Irwin’s good friends. Helain had a strong attention to detail and loved decorating her homes with a keen and tasteful aesthetic. She loved to dance, and travel. She and Irwin enjoyed romantic trips to Puerto Rico, Peru, Venezuela, the Rocky’s, and Dakotas. Helain and Irwin relocated to Lake Worth, FL in 2003. In her last years, Helain received excellent care and companionship from her home-care aides. Funeral arrangements have been made with Beth Israel Memorial Chapel of Boynton Beach, FL, with graveyard service at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday September 19, at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, 11520, Fl-7, Boynton Beach, FL. Donations in her memory may be made to: USO, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, D.C. 20077. www.uso.org
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