Helene Bradshaw

1951 - 2025

Helene Rochelle Gertz Bradshaw passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Richmond VA.

Helene was born in Akron, Ohio on April 10, 1951, to Frank and June Gertz.

In Akron in her child and teen years, she attended Rankin Elementary School, Perkins Middle School, and Buchtel High School. Her family attended Anshe Sfard Synagogue. She worked at the Jewish Community Center as a Camp Counselor. In high school, Helene loved driving her green Mustang.

Helene earned a Bachelors Degree in Education at the University of Akron, and a Masters of Counseling Degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Helene settled in Richmond, VA. She loved helping children. She worked for decades as a teacher and guidance counselor in the Richmond public and private school systems.

In the community, Helene volunteered at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Center Performing Arts.

At home, Helene gardened and tended to her beautiful and colorful flower beds. She loved her pets, and her most recent dog, Pookie. She loved watching Star Trek.

She loved traveling to be with relatives and attending extended family events.

Helene is survived by her closest lifelong friend and husband of many years William Bradshaw of Morgantown, Indiana. Helene and Bill have a son, Benjamin Bradshaw, who resides in Washington D.C. Ben has a son, Evrim Simon Bradshaw, Helene's beautiful grandson.

She is survived by her sister Bonnie Gertz of New York City, New York, and, her sister and brother-in-law Francine Gertz and Jeff Cohen of Austin, Texas.

Helene is preceded in death by her loving parents Frank and June Gertz, and her older brother Howard Gertz.

The family has held a private memorial observance. Memorial gifts can be made to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts at (804) 340-5529 and Virginia Museum of History & Culture at (804) 340-1800.

May Helene Gertz Bradshaw's memory be a blessing.