Helen Janet Sweet

Helen will be remembered as a strong, independent woman, who overcame many obstacles to live an enjoyable life. She became deaf at a young age due to a childhood illness, and was a child of the Great Depression. Because of her strength, she overcame these adversities, establishing her as a resourceful person, who “always found a way to make it happen”. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years. Helen enjoyed life – she was very musically inclined; taking piano lessons as a child & was a Charter member of Sangerbund, a German singing club. She also sang for US troops as a member of the USO. Later in life her ability of speech was affected, but she was still able to sing like an angel. She loved to read, camp at Nickerson State Park on the Cape, she traveled extensively, and wintered in Florida for many years.

Helen will be dearly missed by her three children; son Barry Cole of Manchester, daughter Nancy Benwell and her husband Daniel K. Jr. of Wolcott, and Lori Guillard and her husband Karl of Windham, grandchildren; Brewster Cole, Celia Guillard, Christy Giannattasio and her husband Joseph, Daniel K. Benwell III, and Timothy Benwell, great grandchildren; Joseph Giannattasio, Olivia Olson, Samantha Giannattasio and Timothy James Benwell.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Helen is predeceased by her son David W. Cole and sister Ruth Hess.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s memory to: American School for the Deaf, Office of Institutional Advancement, 139 North Main St., West Hartford, CT 06107

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Brittany Farms/Aurora Living Center in New Britain for their attentive, compassionate care given to Helen.

Calling hours will be held on Friday January 2, 2015 from 5-7pm at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave, East Hartford CT. 06108. Funeral Services will begin Saturday, January 3, at 10:30am followed by a funeral service at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. To leave an online condolence please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com