Helen Friedman

Helen Friedberg Friedman, beloved mother, grandmother, and Louisville icon, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025. She was born on June 4, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Norman and Carolyn Friedberg.

A proud graduate of Atherton High School, Helen went on to attend Stephens College, where she cultivated her lifelong love of learning, creativity, and connection. Her passion for baking, first sparked in her own kitchen, blossomed into a remarkable career. As the founder of Desserts by Helen, she transformed her homegrown hobby into a thriving Louisville institution. From its humble beginnings, Helen expanded her bakery to three retail locations and a wholesale production facility, bringing her signature desserts to celebrations across the city. Her cakes, cookies, and confections became a beloved part of the Louisville community, an enduring reflection of her warmth, artistry, and dedication.

Beyond her professional success, Helen's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to the late Ira Felsen, caring sister to Bette Friedberg, and most of all, a loving mother to Judi Quirke (Patrick), Craig (Sarah), and Grant (Hallie), and an adoring grandmother to Parker, Madeleine, and London. She was also a proud aunt to nieces Linda Schuster and Lori Gaman. She cherished every moment spent with them, filling their lives with love, laughter, and, of course, delicious desserts.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ira; her parents, Norman and Carolyn Friedberg; and her sister, Harriett. Her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched with kindness, generosity, and a sweetness that extended far beyond her baking.

A celebration of Helen's life will be held at The Temple, 5101 US Hwy 42, on Thursday, October 30th, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. and funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to honor her memory by sharing a dessert with someone they love, just as Helen did so beautifully throughout her life. Donations may also be made to The Temple or The Center for Women and Children.