Helen Sholtes O'Connor, age 91, passed away peacefully at Pomperaug Woods Health Center in Southbury, Connecticut on March 24, 2016. Helen was born on January 22, 1925 in College Point, NY. She was the daughter of the late Julius Sholtes and Gizella Hollendoner Sholtes and the sister of the late Julius Sholtes. Helen was an intellectual adventurer. She challenged the expectations of her time and completed her BA at Hunter College in 1946. She went on to work as a social worker for Catholic Charities in Brooklyn, NY. For many years Helen lived in Baldwin, NY, where she raised her family and enjoyed creating a comfortable and elegant home. She was a dedicated member of the American Association of University Women, an avid reader and devotee of the New York Times crossword puzzle. She could deliver a witty retort or ingenious pun with obvious delight. In later years, Helen lived in Heritage Village, Southbury, Connecticut. She had several wonderful years as a member of the French Club, conversing about the news from France and French-speaking Canada, as well as teaching her granddaughters their first French lessons. Traveling in Europe was a lifelong goal and she had the opportunity to spend time in France, Italy and Ireland. Helen is survived by her children; Ilona O'Connor of Cambridge, MA, Blaise O'Connor and his wife, Michelle of New Fairfield, CT, Mark O'Connor of Berkley, CA and Kevin O'Connor and his wife, Jillian, of Pasadena, CA and her grandchildren; Casey and Aislinn O'Connor and Maud and Emmet O'Connor. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Pomperaug Woods and Ann Garay, Helen's loving aide and companion in these last years.

Memorials: Donations in memory of Helen made to the Pomperaug Woods Health Center Garden Fund at 80 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT 06488, will be especially appreciated.

Cemetery: Pine Hill Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: Friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering from 2: 00-5: 00 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, Southbury, CT.