A Special Dimension In Our Cherished Relationship, “SPICE!” Words of any language of this earth are hollow in trying to describe Helen Schenck. She would take each moment of life and mold it into a bouquet of poetry and grace. Born at the beginning of the century, there was no one who drank in life with more gusto–a fresh, vibrant spirit radiating brilliant warmth, sunshine, and vitality. She wallowed in being alive. Every moment of her life, she cherished as though it was the first time she was seeing or experiencing it. Every flower, every sunrise and sunset, every wave lapping on the shore was a revelation, a celebration of life. On a family automobile trip, I commented, “Nana, you add Spice to our Life!” And henceforth, she was known to all as “Spice”. She charmed herself into the life of anyone she encountered, making you feel good about yourself, about your family, about being alive. Spice transcended age, children adored her, and everyone related to her. She never judged…. she was just always there for you. Although she embodied an 88-pound petite fashionista package, Spice carried a persona as great as the horizon. When she departed the earth, she was 94 (going on 19), a perennial young-at-heart with a free spirit. Who else could begin a career as an artist at 60, conveying on canvas her vision of nature, so beautifully expressed in the color and concept of her flowers and seascapes? Her signature evolved from “Helen Schenck” simply to “Spice” on paintings after her special nickname became her true identity! On a treasured trip when I “kidnapped” Spice on one of my jaunts to Italy, I was privileged to see the masterpieces of Rome and Florence through her eyes. Yet, she remained the eternal coquette, and each pinch from an Italian man added 10 years to
her life! When I met my “love” in Italy and announced our engagement, Spice welcomed him with open arms. Who better to stand by me at the happy moment of our marriage as Matron of Honor than my beloved Spice! Spice ONLY saw the silver lining. Even though there were many painful hardships in her life and the toll they took on her, she was never bitter, she always took the high road, she always saw beyond the moment. For Spice, her family was her ultimate joy…. her dear husband Mack, her son Henry, her oldest son Robert (Air Force Captain who flew countless sorties in WWII but tragically killed in the Korean War), her beloved daughter Nikki (my Mom) who was her friend, confidante, caregiver and strength, and devoted sonin-law Al who became even more than a son to her. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren added to the jewels in her life. And, for me, attending ballet and concerts with Spice throughout my youth added a special dimension in our cherished relationship. Spice, you have always been a great inspiration to me and others. You define the perfect poem: compact, ever constant, and a work of the greatest truth and beauty. I could never hope to encounter in my life anyone of more strength or understanding. Spice, we toast your goodness, zest, and ever-enduring spirit in our hearts. And we miss your precious Swedish cookies! Which to us were more precious than diamonds! Thank you for your gift in demonstrating how God meant us to live our lives. From your adoring granddaughter, Deborah Faith Lexye Levin Aversa
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