Helen Bernstein FEALY

1924 - 2018

Helen Bernstein Fealy, who delighted Shiny Sheet readers for more than two decades with her witty columns, celebrity interviews and dry sense of humor, passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at her home in Palm Beach. She was 94. Helen's laughter was infectious and she reveled in helping others do the same. A student of Palm Beach since relocating from New York in 1970 with her first husband, Joseph F. Bernstein, she was the consummate social commentator and a generous philanthropist who served on several boards including Planned Parenthood and Hospice of Palm Beach County. Helen was born in New York city on February 29, 1924. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Helen was married to Joseph Frank Bernstein on February 6, 1947. She was later married to Dr. Jack Fealy on June 30, 1995. At the age of 89 she authored a book chronicling that love affair with writing entitled: My Journey From Palm Beach Journalist to Oprah-With Stops Along The Way. The book was well received and introduced a new generation to the sage advice of a woman firmly rooted in her profession of choice. To celebrate Helen's affinity for all things journalism, Joseph Bernstein made a donation and established the Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism at the New York Public Library in 1987. The award honors outstanding journalists whose books have drawn attention to important issues or current events. Her second husband, Dr. Jack Fealy, a highly respected gynecologist in Palm Beach County, preceded Helen in death in 2007. She is survived by her beloved children Kathryn Bernstein Gandal of Chevy Chase, MD, James Bernstein and his wife Margaret of New York City and three grandchildren Peter Gandal, Emily Bernstein and Rebecca Bernstein. Friends can pay their respects on Monday, May 7 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Helen's name to The New York Public Library, Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism, 5th Ave & 42nd St, New York, NY 10018 and TrustBridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.