Helen Breitowitz

Helen (Rakoszynski) Breitowitz, Z"L, "Chaya Esther Tzipora bas Elizer", 92, passed away in her home in Rockville, MD of natural causes on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 after returning from her granddaughter's wedding late Monday night. Born in Sosnowich, Poland. WWII ended her education. Her late husband, David, snatched her from the jaws of the Nazis, married her on the way to Siberia where they spent the war years together. After the war, Helen and David came back to Europe to work with "Breicha" in freeing deportation detainees. In 1952, they immigrated to America to join family in New York and later moved to Hartford, CT. They were very active in the synagogue community of West Hartford where she also worked as a seamstress. They had their first son, Yitzchak, after 16 years of marriage, later followed by Eliezer. Boruch H'shem, she saw both of her sons go on to become noted: rabbis, lecturers and fathers themselves. After David's death in 2003. Helen moved to the Ring House in Rockville, MD, where she was a very active resident, while still maintaining strong connections to family, nuclear and extended. Despite a limited education, she was an avid reader, highly intelligent with a sharp memory. She made strong and immediate connections with people, as she took full advantage of all the social, cultural, and musical events. She also spoke about her. war experiences to high school students and was interviewed for an article that appeared in the Washington Post. Helen Breitowitz was the "lynch-pin" in many people's lives. She lived a remarkable life and will be missed by many. She is survived by her loving children, (Yitzchak (and Sally) and Eliezer (and Anita); nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Boruch Dayan Emes... The funeral will be TODAY, March 6 at 12:30PM at the United Synagogues, (behind the Emanuel Cemetery) at 1361 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield (intersection of Berlin Tnpke and Jordan Lane) with Rabbi Brahm Weinberg officiating. The service will be in the onsite cemetery chapel at the main entrance to the Emanuel Cemetery. Following interment the family will receive friends for a meal of consolation and Shiva at the Young Israel of West Hartford, 2240 Albany Ave. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Association, Inc., West Hartford.