Helen (Brahms) Kellner

SALISBURY—Helen (Brahms) Kellner, 95, of Lakeville, died peacefully at home March 21, 2009.

She was born Oct. 18, 1913, in New York City. Although she grew up in Lawrence on Long Island and graduated from Lawrence High School, she spent many childhood summers at the Twin Lakes in the Taconic section of Salisbury. The Depression cut short her studies at the North Carolina College for Women in Greensboro, but she never lost her love for learning and took classes throughout her life in art, antiques, history, and music. She had a sharp mind and quick wit and loved a lively discussion.

She was the daughter of the late Annette (Singer) Brahms — one of the first four women to graduate from the New York College of Dentistry in 1906 — who practiced with her husband, Benjamin I. Brahms, until Helen was born. Even after sisters Beatrice and Lucile followed, her mother always renewed her license.

Before marrying Morris S. “Kelly� Kellner on Jan. 28, 1937, she worked as a private secretary at one of the city’s largest patent law firms, Dean Fairbanks and Foster. Helen and Kelly lived in Forest Hills through the years of World War II until the early 1950s, then New Rochelle and Harrison, N. Y., before moving to Lakeville in 1986. While living in Harrison, her research and championing led to the commissioning of the architect, Harry Wenner, to build the new building for the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester in White Plains.

In her youth she played the piano and was a skilled horsewoman. An avid traveler, Helen toured countries in Europe many times with her husband as well as taking trips to Japan and the Near East. For more than 30 years she educated herself in alternative medicine and vitamins and was always available to pass on her knowledge. She was committed to women’s choice and to various animal rescue and political organizations, as well as being on the board of directors of Community Association to Save Sharon Hospital. She was a member of the Hawthorne Club, and a past member of the Sharon Garden Club. She donated 10 defibrillators to the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, which have been distributed to various locations in the town and villages of Salisbury.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Jane Kellner of Salisbury, and her husband, Charlie Kelley; her son, Steven Kellner and his wife, Angela, of Madison, Wis.; their two sons, Charley and Dimitri, of Madison and Atlanta, Ga.; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Stephanos; as well as her sister, Beatrice of Naples, Fla., and the fabulous, devoted team of women who cared for her in her final years. She was predeceased by her husband and her youngest sister, Lucile Nathanson.

Helen’s wishes were for no formal services; her ashes will join her husband’s in his favorite garden. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service. Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan.