Obituary of Lillian Jensen Helwig

Lillian Jensen Helwig, 93 died at home on January 11th, 2011 with her daughter Pamela and granddaughter Victoria by her side. Lillian was born in Greenwich, CT on August 4, 1917 to Danish and Finnish immigrants, the late Johannes and Lempi Jensen. Lillian graduated from Greenwich High School in 1934 and then attended business school. One of her favorite memories is when as a young woman she commuted to Manhattan from the Cos Cob station. Everyday after work her father would meet her on the return platform to walk with her the rest of the way home. Lillian married the late Harry G. Helwig of Milford, CT an Army Captain returning from service during WW II. They had three children and made their home in Stamford, CT. After almost 50 years of marriage she shared with their daughter Janis, "That every time she brushed up against Harry, she still got chills," a sweet tribute to their abiding love. Lillian retired from Clairol in 1982 and she and Harry retired to Mountain Top, PA. After Harry died from lung cancer in 1993, she moved back to CT to live with her daughter Pamela and her infant granddaughter Victoria. Lillian along with her daughter Pamela and granddaughter Victoria were also nine-year residents of Fairfield. Throughout her life, Lillian remained active in the Eastern Star and held the position of Esther for many years; she was also a member of the Danish Sisterhood. She loved to read, engage in conversation and employ her comic wit. She also enjoyed journaling and volunteering for church activities. In 1995 due to complications with peripheral vascular disease she had an above the knee amputation on her left leg. But she never let her disability impede her. She learned how to walk again at age 78. Then in 2005 she had her first major stroke and once again defying the odds she learned to walk for the third time at age 88. She enjoyed the rest of her life in the comfort of her home with her family and beloved pets in Guilford, CT. In spite of her declining health, Lillian always focused on what she could do to help others. Her courageous heart and unfailing kindness remain inspirational to all who have known her. She is survived by her three children. Barry Helwig and his wife Donna of Norwalk CT, Pamela Helwig of Guilford, CT, and Janis and Rusty Boone of Charlotte, NC; her grandchildren Christian Helwig, Eric Helwig, Neil Boone, Benjamin Boone, Autumn Boone, and Victoria Helwig; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Johan Victor Jensen and her sister Alice Jensen Henrikson. Funeral services were held a the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, Darien on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 with the Rev. David Spollett of the 1st Congregational Church of Fairfield presiding and burial followed at Fairfield Memorial Park in Stamford. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice (www.hospice.com/index.html). Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820