Helen R. Stevenson

Helen R. Stevenson

Helen Stevenson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 23, 2008.
WINDSOR, Conn. — Helen R. (Holbrook) Stevenson, 73, of Windsor and South Yarmouth, Mass., and beloved wife for 50 years of Samuel W. Stevenson Jr., died suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.

Born in Toronto, Canada, and daughter of the late Roland C. and Florence (Leckie) Holbrook, she was raised in Montreal where she graduated from the Trafalgar School and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. She moved to Windsor in 1960 when her husband, Samuel, was appointed to the faculty of the now Loomis Chaffee School, where they lived on campus for 28 years.

Helen loved dance and studied ballet as a teenager in Canada. She founded the Windsor Ballet, which later became the Northern Connecticut Ballet and served as its choreographer and artistic director until her retirement in 2007.

She and her husband, Samuel, enjoyed dividing their time between Cape Cod, where they first met, and Windsor.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved son, Philip C. Stevenson, in 1984. Besides her husband, she leaves three nieces: Heather Nicol, Genevieve Hendricks and Sarah Hendricks; nephews, Andrew Nicol and William Hendricks; grandniece, Kathryn and grandnephew, Andrew Morse; and sister-in-law, Ruth Stevenson of West Harwich.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Loomis Chaffee School, Batchelder Road, Windsor. Burial will follow in Palisado Cemetery, Windsor. Family will receive friends on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor.

Contributions may be made to MADD, 565 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT, 06473. For condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Helen Stevenson's Guest Book

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November 17, 2008

Michael Taylor posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2008

Amy Richardson posted to the memorial.

November 10, 2008

Susan Jenkins Smith posted to the memorial.

Michael Taylor

November 17, 2008

I only just heard of Helen's passing. I am so very sorry. She made me feel like a King in Sleeping Beauty.

Amy Richardson

November 11, 2008

It was with great sadness that we learned of Helen's passing. The years we were a part of NCB were a very special time - made even more so by Helen. Rebekah was able to take classes under Mrs. Stevenson and what a wonderful start she had in ballet! Both Rebekah and my youngest, Rachel have fond memories of "Party Scene", as party girls and party boys - all under Helen's direction. Even today the music of "Nutcracker" takes them immediately back to the NCB ballet room and Helen's directions.

She had a passion for ballet and an ability to transfer that to her dancers. For that Rebekah, Rachel and I will always be grateful. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Susan Jenkins Smith

November 10, 2008

I share great sadness with all of you upon learning of Helen's passing. My fond memories of Helen are many and she influenced my creative life and maturation in more ways than I can say. She was with me in spirit when I was teaching beginner ballet to little Eritrean and American girls here in the US Embassy gym in Asmara. She is with me whenever I hear Nutcracker music. I hear her voice in my head singing the choreography. "...put her right down, 2,3,4, walk around and arabesques...". What an unflappable spirit and a contagious passion she had! I am so blessed to have had her as my teacher. Three years ago, when I was in Windsor for my 20th high school reunion, Karen and I popped into the Rec Center for a surprise visit. Helen was there, unchanged in my eyes, conducting a battle of the mice rehearsal. She introduced me to the kids as "the OLD Snow Queen" and we laughed together. What a comfort it was to see this familiar scene continuing on as I traipse around the world. I can sum up my feelings as this: Helen, I wanted you to live forever.

karen sevenoff

November 7, 2008

oh goodness..what a blessing Helen is! Not for one second will I feel her gone. Here with us in all her outrageousness, in all her Mothering, in all her glorious grace..so blessed we are to know her, touch her, laugh and laugh with her..learn about ourselves through her fine vision. Helen helped me reclaim my own creativity, my own love of life and art (one and the same) Go on Helen! You gorgeous girl! Rock the heavens! In Eternal gratitude and Sincere Awe, Your loving student
Karen Sevenoff

Carrie (Mansfield) Rom

November 1, 2008

Mr. Stevenson,

You know how important Helen was to all of us in the Windsor Ballet. She was so much more than a ballet teacher. I loved spending time with her at your house at Loomis, and talking with her about practically everything in and around our lessons and practices at the Rec Center.

Through her I learned not to be afraid of taking established concepts and adding to them or changing them to come up with something that better suits my creativity or needs. I think of the roles she created for Nutcracker (The Rose), and her original choreography and costumes.

She always made us feel welcome and understood, laughed with us and not only tolerated, but celebrated our youth. When I think of her, I think of aesthetics, laughter, creativity, joy and beauty.

And being so far from home, it has given me great comfort to think of you and her in the home in which I grew up, my picture hanging outside the room which was mine, and her telling me that this was "Carrie's room". What a lovely gesture!

Once when I was visiting and my son was much younger, he got into a box of fabrics that was in the living room, and kept coming out with different "costumes" that he had created. She was so happy and kept saying how he would be a great designer one day - so accepting of his energy.

All of this has had such an influence on me as a mother, and as a teacher. Her presence in my life really has left such a positive impact which goes on to others.

Thank God for memories such as these - she will be so missed, but she will always be loved.

Most fondly,

Carrie

Charlie Barnes

October 28, 2008

Steve,

There is no end to a beautiful life. Helen will always be in our hearts and in our minds.

Nick Repoli

October 26, 2008

Among Helen's many great qualities was her ability to accept people as they are and the ability to gently guide them to become BETTER. This was not only in life as people, but was key to her choreography. She could make even the "klunkiest" of us look great on stage!

She encouraged us to be disciplined, not just in class or rehearsal, but in life. At any given time, you could find young dancers doing homework or reading while waiting to dance.

And she could take any emotionally charged situation (and there were many!) and translate that energy onto the stage. She often called the secret to dance, the "E" word. She would tell us to imagine a cat sitting in a pool of light from a window and another cat getting ready to pounce on a mouse. Both cats are very "still" but the pouncing cat is filled with ENERGY. Helen had that energy and encouraged us to have it, too.

Those dancers who went on to dance with other companies, appreciate (even more) the home that Helen created for us at NCB. She showed us that just because what we were doing was hard work and took discipline, there's no reason why it can't be FUN too.

She nurtured us all until it was time to move on, then she graciously sent us off... and then loving took us back in again (we mostly all came back at some point.)

I have many great memories and am grateful that Helen was a part of my life. She was more that a mentor, she was a friend and the world is a different place for many of us, because she was a part of our lives.

In times like this, I remember the words of Richard Bach--- "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls.... a BUTTERFLY."

Thank you Helen... for everything.

-----Nick

Mark O'Donnell

October 25, 2008

Steve. My deepest condolences for the loss of one of Windsor's great ladies. I treasure my thirty-year connection with Helen, from those wonderful days at Milo Peck with summer theatre to rejoining the Nutcracker in the last decade. She developed much more than fine dancers, she developed generations of upstanding and impressive young women and men. Helen's impact will be felt for many years in the children of those who benefitted from the lessons Helen taught.

Sean Sullivan

October 25, 2008

Mr Stevenson (Yes, I'll still call you that, even though I'm almost 50 years old).
I will always remember, very fondly, all of the time that I spent with Phil and "Mrs. S" when I was a little faculty brat on campus. Phil and Bobby and I would play all day and then go to your house for something to eat. Mrs. S always had something good for us. Over the years I have taken great pleasure in hearing about the many dance lessons and recitals from my nieces. It was nice to see both of you last year and it was very thoughtful of you to come to my brothers funeral service. I hope you are able to take comfort in the fact that Helen was loved so much by so many in the community. Be well.

Michael Smith

October 24, 2008

Helen was a beacon of light, love, and laughter in my life. She gave me purpose when I had lost hope. She welcomed me with open arms and changed my life forever. I was truly blessed by her friendship and love. My memories are many and wonderful.

Helen Jean Adams

October 24, 2008

A Salute to Helen -
It was almost 40 years ago that I met my soon-to-be best friend, Helen Stevenson. She needed an accompanist for her ballet classes, which were held at what is now known as The Windsor Rec Center.
The job continued while her ballet company grew into a full time occupation.
My youngest son Bill became steadfast friends with Philip and during the years that followed, I attended each of Helen's Nutcracker Productions.
I moved to Rockfall, CT 16 years ago. This kept me from seeing my Windsor friend as frequently as I would have liked, but I was nearer to my children and grandchildren.
I began bringing my young granddaughters to experience the magic of Helen's Nutcracker performances. As a result, Bill's daughter, Lauren, was inspired to dance. Now, at age 16, she has danced in multiple parts of The Cecchetti Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker productions in Cheshire, CT.
Even at such a young age, these girls were aware of the changes that Helen had made each year with her productions. We would always talk about them on our ride home.
I guess you can say that music and dance was our bond.
I served on her Board of Directors for a few years, until I moved from Windsor. During that time I discovered just how consumate Helen was. She knew every aspect of running a ballet company to the very last detail, and beyond.
Her students came to love and respect her and they were, it seemed, her second family.
I will miss her dearly.

Ann Angelo

October 24, 2008

My deepest sympathy to you at the loss of your wife. Fran always enjoyed the times that he worked with Helen and thought very highly of her work. You will miss her as much as I do Fran.

Michele Burdette

October 24, 2008

Mr. Stevenson,
My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of a Helen, your wife and best friend. Helen touched my life briefly many years ago in the Windsor Youth Theatre and I remember her with fondness.
My prayers are with you in these most difficult days.

dennis gaudet

October 23, 2008

Mr.Stevenson,
Im very sad to hear of Helens passing.My heart goes out to you and your family.Ill never forget Helen,She was a special woman.
With deepest sympothy,
Dennis Gaudet

Lucretia Hickok

October 23, 2008

Dear Steve,
Helen was much more than the old style faculty wife who baked cookies, served tea, and did flower arrangements. She provided a wider view of the arts to the whole community - not just Loomis. She was a modern, professional, career woman for others to look up to and emulate.

My sympathies are with you during this difficalt time of transition.

Mrs. George Hickok (Cape Cod, MA

Erika Merriman

October 23, 2008

I’m so thankful to have had Helen be such a huge part of my childhood. She filled my life with laughter, lasting friendships, the best memories, a belief in myself, and an exceptional education in dance. I will forever remember and miss her.

Bette Ann Trask

October 23, 2008

Dear Stevie: We are so sorry that your "dear Helen" has died. We are so happpy that you were able to celebrate your 5oth Wedding Anniversary in August. What has been shared by so many in the Guest Book shows what an inspiration and dear friend Helen was to all who came in contact with her. We send you our love and our prayers for comfort during the difficult days ahead. Your cousin, Bette Ann and Jimmy

Sharon Cozens

October 23, 2008

Mr. Stevenson and family,

I send you condolences on behalf of Trafalgar School for Girls and the Old Girls' Association. Helen was a member of the Class of '53 and will be missed by her classmates. I will advise them of this sad news. I thank Margie Sparks Caron '51 for advising the school.

Sincerely,
Sharon Cozens

Helen at rehearsal w/broken collar bone

October 23, 2008

Helen with students

October 23, 2008

Michael & Sandy

October 23, 2008

The Rose

October 23, 2008

The Galla

October 23, 2008

The Galla

October 23, 2008

The Nutcracker

October 23, 2008

The Nutcracker

October 23, 2008

The Nutcracker

October 23, 2008

Helen with friends

October 23, 2008

putting on makeup

October 23, 2008

Fiddler on the Roof

October 23, 2008

Cinderella Ballet

October 23, 2008

October 23, 2008

Dave Foster

October 23, 2008

Steve,
I am so sad to hear this news. Helen exposed me to a whole new world of ballet, classical music, community theatre, and so much more. She was a dear friend. I miss her already.

Victoria Bale-Saunders

October 23, 2008

Steve: Helen was such an important person in our family. Teddy danced in her ballet company for many years. Then he and Helen became lifelong friends. We met the wonderful Ted Medrek through Helen as well. I remember her asking me to photograph the rehearsals and some of the performances. Helen always brought out the best in young adults and encouraged them to explore and work hard to broaden their lives. I have wonderful memories of her at our house, requesting that we look at "the pictures." This was a series of crazy pictures taken by Teddy of me and my mother. Helen would be laughing so hard, with tears in her eyes, as she looked at these funny pictures. She loved life and made the world a better place for many people.

My prayers are with you.

Susan Sullivan Canty

October 22, 2008

Mr. Stevenson,
I will cherish the memories of ballet class in your "den" at Loomis with a few other "faculty brats" in the early years of Mrs. Stevenson's career. When she moved to the building by Julie's Bakery she used to pick me up at Ely house, and then pick up her coffee and pastry on the way. Years later my daughter Shana danced as a mouse and fairy when she put on productions in the old Chaffee building. My niece's Rachael and Danielle were also a big part of the ballet through the years. I am saddened to know that my granddaughter will not have the chance to be a part of the experience. Please know that you are in my thoughts and in my heart.

Hilary Meyers

October 22, 2008

Dear Steve,
We were saddened to read about Helen's passing. It is clear that she enriched the lives of so many through her artistic talent, wonderful sense of humor and generous spirit. We offer our condolences to you as you redefine life without her.
In sympathy, Hilary Meyers - LC '75 (daughter of Germaine and Bennett Meyers) and Harry Weinerman - LC '74

Theodore Bale

October 22, 2008

My Dear Steve,
From the moment Helen invited Patrick Vaccariello and me over to your house in Windsor, one evening in June, 1981, I knew that I had made friendships that would be long-lasting and life-changing. Helen will always remain with me and nourish my spirit as the true and diligent artist that she was, a kind and compassionate soul, and the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Yesterday Jan Burnham McLachlan said about her, "she was a VERY great teacher, because she made you do things that you never thought (to yourself) you could do." A full-length Sleeping Beauty? Why not? Swan Lake? Sure, let's do it! Not to mention her vast repertory of original ballets, including Palisado Green, Classical Symphony, and her loving homage to her son, Shitadu.
Last night I came in the back door of my condo and saw a pair of sandals I'd bought some years ago when Helen and I were shopping together on the Cape. Of course, I'd bought them in the LADIES' department. Helen and I had become very mischevious, trying on all kinds of shoes and parading around the store until we laughed ourselves silly. "It's time to go, Tedd," she said under her breath, "people are starting to stare at us." I settled on the foam pair with orange daisies.
with all my love,
tedd

Cathe Monte Carlo-Evans

October 22, 2008

Some of my fondest adolescent memories were of Helen teaching dance routines for Windsor Youth Theater. My love of ballet and the theater grew out of her encouragement and enthusiasm for the arts. She was a true grande dame.
Cathe Monte Carlo-Evans

Lillian & Rad Smith

October 22, 2008

Steve, our condolences to you and your family. Helen was a friend to our family when we lived in Windsor. She gave our son Michael much love. We always enjoyed going to the Windsor Ballet and watching such professionalism. Helen made everyone old and young look so good. We will miss you.

Jamie (Ingraham) Bauer

October 22, 2008

Mrs. Stevenson was a large part of my life for the years I danced in Windsor from age 5 to 17. She was not only a teacher but she believed in us, inspired us and treated us with special care by getting to know us personally. She will be missed by many.

Heather and Kathryn Henriques

October 22, 2008

Steve -

Helen made a lasting impression on our family - her commitment to ballet as an art form inspired us all. Kathryn, our eldest, danced with Helen for 6 years until we moved down south - we were the family that made the delicious lemon squares you loved!

We are the richer for having know Helen, and are praying for your comfort during this time.

Ted Medrek

October 22, 2008

Steve, as I read these beautiful messages from people whose lives and whose children's lives were touched by Helen, I recall her once telling me that she just couldn't imagine how anyone could have a life that didn't include ballet. What did they *do* without ballet? What did they have to even talk about? she wondered. I think that's what drove her to share her passion for ballet with as many other people - even, sometimes, to the unlikeliest candidates - as possible. It was her personal "No Child Left Behind Without Ballet" program. In the same way, I can't begin to imagine what my life would have been like had I not known, worked with, laughed with, had the *grandest* adventures with and dearly loved Helen for more than 40 years. What in the world would *I* have done all those decades without having had her in my life? And thank you, Steve, for letting Helen be Helen for us - well, at least most of the time! It was sometimes easy to take for granted, but you truly made possible the gifts Helen gave us all, and none of us can ever, ever thank you enough for that.

Maggie Winland

October 21, 2008

Mrs. Stevenson gave me a home away from home, my best friends, and the confidence to be the best dancer, and person I could be. She has touched so many people and I will remember days with her as some of my fondest.

Bob & Karen Leckie

October 21, 2008

Stevie, Karen and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. My 60 years of interaction with Helen was a delight on every single occasion. This is a terrible loss for us all.

Raymond Link

October 21, 2008

Helen was a dancer, teacher and choreographer, whose work was powered by her passion.
Her ability to bring out the best in all of us will be her enduring legacy.

Jan Burnham McLachlan

October 21, 2008

Steve,
Receiving the call from Ted Bale today telling me of my dear buddy, Helen, passing away still seems surreal. Dancing for the Windsor Ballet in the late '70s, laughing and laughing and laughing at your house at Loomis, trying to sneak a peak at the score of some basketball game that you were watching knowing that Helen didn't like it, dancing roles in my 20s that I would never have had the opportunity to perform--what a wonderful time of my life. How blessed we all were to have known her. Love and Prayers,

KAREN AGNELLO

October 21, 2008

Steve, I am so sorry to hear of your loss...The world will not be the same with out your Helen....I am so very sad.++++++++++++++++++++
AND, THANK YOU, HELEN, FOR BEING THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS, AND TOES...
I COULD NOT HAVE BECOME THE DANCER I WAS, WITH OUT YOU...
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU GAVE ME TO PERFORM, AND ALL THE FUN TIMES WE SPENT TOGETHER ON THE CAPE AND IN CT.
I WILL ALWAYS, ALWAYS LOVE YOU.
Karen 'Dogfinger' Agnello

Lisa Berthiaume

October 21, 2008

My sincerest condolences to Helen's loved ones...I have the fondest memories from my childhood dancing for Helen and when I came back as an adult, the art of dance and Helen's company and productions helped heal me through a difficult time of my own. Helen was also proud that my grandson was the first Windsor Ballet grandchild to take her classes! Her light will be sorely missed on earth.

Janet Burke

October 21, 2008

Mr. Stevenson - Our prayers are with you during this sad time. Both my girls truly enjoyed dancing in the Nutcracker and Spring Gala performances for many years. I was in total awe how Helen could translate a piece of music into beautiful and fun ballets. She WAS the Northern Connecticut Ballet. Her love for children and ballet clearly came through in all the NCB endeavors. We will miss you Helen. Janet, Erica & Erin

Kelly Torza

October 21, 2008

Helen was my inspiration during my teen years and has been a role model for me as an adult. I think of her often and will continue to be inspired by her work throughout my career.

Marcia Lakotko

October 21, 2008

Mrs. Stevenson was a remarkable woman who shared her love and joy of dancing. She was truly an inspiration to young dancers and taught them the discipline necessary to succeed. Her devotion to dance and her students was undeniable. She has touched and enhanced many of our lives and she will be greatly missed.

Remembering fondly and with love,
Marcia and Katie

Richard Krolewicz

October 21, 2008

Mr. Stevenson,
She was a brilliant woman who's heart knew no bounds when it came to others. She touched many lives including mine and will be forever missed.
Helen, when we meet again, lets have an RDH day.
-Richard the K

Nicole McKnight (Reizian)

October 21, 2008

Northern Connecticut Ballet Company was my entire childhood - she created magic on that stage, and I will always hold her in my heart.

Hal Sullivan

October 21, 2008

Steve, Thank you for calling me. I am sure that in all the remembrances of Helen, her amazing ability to work with dancers of all ages, her brilliant choreography and stagecraft, near the top will be her incredible ability to get people to laugh together. I, for one, even in this sad time, cannot picture her without that big beautiful smile and her contagious laughter. Cherish those memories as anyone who ever knew her will.

patricia Iacino

October 21, 2008

Mr.Stevenson,
Helen brought great atomsphere to the theater and exciting times by all who particpated. Rob loved doing all theater and will always remember the nutcracker for all the warmth and charm Helen put into it. Our prayers are with you. The Iacino Family

Patricia Iacino

October 21, 2008

Mr. Stevenson,Helen showed us all how great the Nutcracker can be and all the warmth that goes to putting on a production. Rob loved the theater atomsphere and all the trimming that Helen brought to it. Our prayers are with you. The Iacino Family

Steven Suty

October 21, 2008

Steve,
My deepest sympathy to you at this very sad time. I will forever cherish the memories, the laughs and the life experiences Helen and I shared. She was one of a kind and will always be my Betty.

Carmon Funeral Homes, Inc.

October 21, 2008

With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.

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November 17, 2008

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Amy Richardson posted to the memorial.

November 10, 2008

Susan Jenkins Smith posted to the memorial.