Helene Silverman Feldman

May 21, 2026 - Helene S. Feldman (nee Silverman), beloved mother of Amy (Michael) Chmar, devoted Mom Mom of Deborah Pearl Chmar and Gabriel Henry Chmar. Cherished sister of Sherri Packer and Sheila (Mel) Goldstein. Adored aunt to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Precious and dear friend to many.

Helene grew up in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia. In high school she earned the nickname “Sunny” as a testament to her warm and friendly personality. As the first woman in her family to go to college, she attended Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. From there, she started her career as an art teacher in the School District of Philadelphia.

She taught for several years, but also enjoyed life driving her Volkswagen Camper (and later a Beetle), backpacking across Europe, and of course, attending Woodstock. She enjoyed good wine, good art, good food, and good music, and she never shied away from getting in good trouble.

In 1973, Helene quite literally birthed her very best friend. From running home in the middle of the workday to cook Amy dinner to dancing in the living room until they collapsed in laughter, Helene would do anything for Amy. She loved nothing more than the close relationship that they shared.

Through the years, Helene traded art smocks for business suits. Her fondness for older adults led her to start her own business as a geriatric care manager. Her clients meant the world to her, and she spent countless hours taking care of them in their golden years as if they were her own family.

It was after her grandchildren were born, though, that she found true joy in her life. With her trademark blue and purple streaks in her hair, she was the cool, hip Mom Mom who showed up to every milestone big and small. She loved the special connection she made with Evie and Gabriel, and was so incredibly proud of the young adults they’ve become.

Ever the artist, Helene marched to the beat of her own drum and found beauty wherever she went. She spent her short retirement doing what she loved: painting, drawing, and tending to her incredible garden. But beyond her talent, her soul is the beauty that we can all find in this world.

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Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services on Wednesday, May 27 at Goldsteins' (6410 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia).  To honor Helene's spirit, feel free to include color in your attire. The family will receive visitors starting at 11am, and the service will begin at 11:30am. Interment immediately following the service at Montefiore Cemetary (600 Church Road, Jenkintown). The family will receive guests at Mishkan Shalom (4101 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia, PA) on Wednesday afternoon for shiva, and on Thursday at the Feldman residence starting at noon, with services at 6:30pm.

Services will be livestreamed.

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In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Helene's memory to the ACLU Foundation of Pennsylvania, or to a charity of the donor's choice.