Helene Aronoff's Obituary
Helene R. Aronoff
Helene Rita Goodman Aronoff, 96, passed away in Delray Beach, Florida on February 15, 2021, after a brief illness and a very well-lived life.
Helene was born in New York City to Etta and Joseph Goodman and the family moved to Paterson, New Jersey, where she would become part of a wonderful community that she grew to love. She graduated from what is now William Paterson University and also attended Columbia University. Among many achievements in her life, Helene was an elementary school teacher, administrator, lifelong volunteer, organization leader and the Director of Volunteers at the North Jersey YMYWHA.
Her life’s joy, however, was her family. In 1947, she met and married her partner and her lifelong love, Milton J. Aronoff. Together they made a wonderful life; they lived together, worked together and raised three daughters that were their pride and joy. The family moved to Fair Lawn, NJ, where they opened Chicken Delight and Milton became known as “Mr. Chicken.” Together, they worked side by side so hard and so proudly. Their house was open to family and friends and they were generous and gracious hosts always.
Helene and Milton moved to Florida more than 36 years ago and lived in Delray Beach. The one regret of Helene’s life was Milton’s passing in 2005, but she was strong and determined to live her best life anyway, and that’s just what she did. Helene was active in many organizations, B’nai Brith, Y Women’s Club, Hadassah and others and believed that charity, no matter how big or small, was a lifetime responsibility that she never forgot. She had many interests and enjoyed knitting, needlepoint, crossword puzzles and reading. She was a voracious reader until the very end, and always had a book in the middle and one in the wings.
Her family began with her three daughters, Davidene, Laurie and Brina, and grew to add her beloved sons-in-law, Michael (deceased), Edward, and Richard. She motivated her children to reach their dreams and goals and taught them the values of education, hard work and community. Her gifts were her six grandsons, their wives and ten great-grandchildren. They all celebrated many occasions with joy, laughter and lots of food, all to her great pleasure. Family was everything.
Helene was predeceased by her cherished husband, Milton J., and is survived by Davidene Alpart, Laurie and Ed Mulvey, and Brina and Richard Widlansky; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Antoinette Alpart, Michael Mulvey (deceased), Jason Mulvey, Ari and Lisa Widlansky, Joshua and Ariel Widlansky, Robbie and (soon to be) Hilary Widlansky; six great-grandsons and four great-granddaughters.
Donations in Helene’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s or any charity of your choice. Arrangements by Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, Delray Beach, Florida, www.bethisraelchapel.com.
Helene Goodman Aronoff will long be remembered as Eyshet Chayil-A Woman of Valor. “Wherever people gather, her deeds speak her praise.” May her Memory be a Blessing. Rest in peace.
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