Helen Wolfe, who smashed stereotypes as an educator, writer, and world traveller in her wheelchair, died at home on August 17th, secure in the love of her sister Margie, family, and dear friends.
Daughter of Holocaust survivors Josef and Toby Wolfe, Helen was born on July 16, 1953 with spina bifida. She grew up in a time when people with disabilities were segregated, and little was expected of them. From childhood, she had a fierce determination to live life to the fullest. Helen upended social norms and surmounted obstacles which stood in her way. Beloved by her adult immigrant students and admired by colleagues, cousins, and friends, Helen was a lifelong human rights advocate and feminist. She was an avid theatre goer and a passionate member of her choir group, the Choralairs.
She lived on her own terms. And she died knowing that she had had an amazing life.
