Helen G. Brinton

On February 20th, Helen Gertrude (Roake) Brinton (formerly of Somerville, MA) passed away at the age of 99. She leaves behind Jill ( daughter) and Andrew ( grandson) Holtzman , Mark (son) and Monica (daughter in law) Brinton and grandsons Colin and Kenley Brinton, Susan (daughter) and Richard (son in law) Spinello, Elaine (daughter) and Theodore (son in law) Speros and grandchildren Basiliki (Betsy) and Athanasios (Arthur/Thanasi) Speros.

The daughter of James Albert Roake and Mary Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Roake, Helen grew up in a home that radiated a sense of warmth, belonging, and endless possibilities that love of family, education and America’s democracy could provide. It was here in this almost mythical place that her essence and values were formed. She grew up surrounded by her loving grandparents, parents and aunts.

Each night, her father would read to her and her brothers James Roake (deceased), William Roake (deceased) and her sister Mary (Roake) Morrison. Often on weekends, he would take his children into Boston to teach them about the important historical events that took place at various sites during the American Revolution. Helen often spoke about how he would have debates with the political activists who spoke on the Boston Common, and how he challenged authority. He clearly contributed to Helen’s love of writing, literature, history and politics. Through her father’s example, she acquired the ability and need to stand up to injustice.

Helen’s grandfather was a quiet and calm presence in her life. He was a blacksmith and gardener. She described sitting with him once as he peeled an apple with his knife and shared a slice with her. One time, after practicing a poem that she had to recite about a key to one’s heart, he said nothing but went down to his workshop and made a key and heart for her presentation. His peaceful and generous manner taught her how to be present to those around her.

Helen’s strong belief in the enduring power of women came from the joyful, resilient, intelligent women in her life. Her grandmother taught her to sew and make her own patterns. Often they would turn old suits inside out and reuse the material for new articles of clothing. Time spent with her grandmother also instilled in her a love of story telling and Irish folklore. She would watch as her grandmother danced around the kitchen with her grandfather lilting ( singing with nonsensical words).

Helen’s mother had a passion for learning. Though she was expected to leave high school to help with expenses, she persuaded her parents to allow her to graduate by working weekends and contributing in this way. Later she rose in the ranks as a secretary and worked closely with the owner of The Lever Brothers company and managed to save enough money to buy the house that they were renting. Though she tried convincing her husband of the benefits of owning their own house, she was unsuccessful in convincing him. Seeing her mother’s determination and desire for financial security never left Helen. It allowed her to see the constructs and laws of society that held women back and inspired her to work to change these inequities.

Helen’s love for her siblings was quite apparent. When they were all together, tales of growing up would begin. They would erupt in laughter over a friend who leaped from the second story balcony using his umbrella to slow his fall, or another character who would pogo stick all around and call for them while still pogoing. There were tales of the different radio shows that they’d listen to and descriptions of the morning smells of bacon, eggs and coffee being prepared, or the sound of the milkman delivering the milk by horse and wagon, or their dog Rex howling along as their mother played the piano. Helen loved reading the Westerns that Jimmy would recommend. She and Billy loved to go ice skating and we’re undeterred by the cold winters. She shared her love of hockey and dance with her sister Mary.

As a child, Helen studied ballet from a teacher who had trained throughout the world. Later in life, she and her sister Mary opened up their own studio. Helen and Mary taught, choreographed and created the costumes. In addition, they also got involved in local theater productions.

At 28, she married her best friend, John Brinton ( deceased).They were brought together by their love of the arts and literature. Eventually, Helen and John moved with their children to Centereach, NY. Though she missed her family and Boston, she fought to remain positive by continuing her writing and artwork. In the 70s, Helen traveled with her husband and children across the United States and later with just her husband throughout Europe. Perhaps the most important thing that came from her move to NY was her ability to form lasting relationships with communities that became family to her: St. Gerard’s, the gourmet club, her WW friends and so many others whom she came to love ( her doctors, wait staff, neighbors…). She was close to all her nieces and nephews and their spouses and loved them all. She cherished spending time with them and sharing her stories.

As a child, her parents taught her to welcome the stranger ,and throughout her life she did just that. She was a person of faith. In her last hours, she was able to let her children and grandchildren know how much she loved them. Her message has always been to be the person you were meant to be. In addition, she believed that love should be at the center of your life. Because she was loved so much as a child, she was able to be a source of light and strength for her family. How apt were her names, for Helen means light ,and Gertrude means strength of a spear. She will be so greatly missed.