Helen Bernstein

Helen Bernstein a long time resident of Tucson, and the wife of a pioneering doctor, Dennis Bernstein, passed away at home on July 27, 2008. "Nana," as she was affectionately known to family and friends, is survived by two children, Fred (Karen) Bernstein, Garden Valley, California and Harriet (Mike) Barker, Greer, Arizona; five grandchildren, Cara (Peter), Molly, Matt (Amy), Amber, and Bryan and four great-grandchildren. Helen was born on August 7, 1914, as the youngest of six children, in Brooklyn, New York. Helen's father died when she was six years old, to survive everyone in the family had to go to work. Helen got a job in the stockroom of Macy's while still in junior high and worked her way up to the position of buyer. At the age of sixteen, Helen met Dennis Bernstein, known to family and friends as "Danny." They married secretly while Danny was in medical school, as his family feared he would not complete his schooling otherwise. In 1945, Helen and Danny moved to Tucson where Danny set up his medical practice and Helen was instrumental in setting up the gift shop at Tucson Medical Center. She continued to volunteer there and at Handmaker Nursing Home for most of her life. Helen was also active in Hadassah and B'nai B'rith Women. To Helen, caring for Fred and Harriet was her greatest pleasure. She also enjoyed filling her yard with flowers, which she shared with everyone. Her generosity and warmth extended to anyone in need and she was a second mom to many. Everyone who was fortunate enough to have known Helen will especially miss her unconditional love and generosity, as well as her famous chocolate chip cookies. Helen's family will always be grateful to the staff at Catalina Foothills Adult Care Home, who cared for her so lovingly for the past nine years. In lieu of flowers, Helen's family requests that donations be made in her name to a favorite charity. Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Thursday, July 31st at 11:30 a.m.