Helene L. (Solomon) Marks

WESTBOROUGH / HOLYOKE - Helene Lorie Marks, 88, of Westborough, MA, and formerly of Holyoke, MA, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026.

Helene was the daughter of Nathan and Eda Solomon and the adoring younger sister of Louise. She grew up in West Hartford and graduated as valedictorian of Weaver High School in Hartford. She later graduated from Tufts University with a degree in psychology. For much of her life, she lived in Holyoke. She lived her later years at the Willows retirement community in Westborough.

Helene met her husband, Sherman, at Ocean Beach Park, in New London, CT. Helene would say it was love at first sight. The couple settled in Holyoke, Sherm’s hometown. Helene continued her social work profession and then got computer skills at Holyoke Community College and applied them as a bookkeeper at James River Graphics. Later, she worked side by side with Sherman at S. Marks & Company, the family paint and wallpaper store. For decades, they were a dynamic duo. Helene's expertise was wallpaper. She knew every one of the hundred or so wallpaper books in the store. Within minutes of learning what a customer was looking for, she would have recommendations for appropriate patterns.

Family was especially important to Helene. She is survived by her son Michael and his wife, Nancy, of Sudbury, MA; son Adam and his wife, Julie Meyer, of Florence, MA; and daughter Lara Steckler and her husband, Glenn, of Glastonbury, CT; as well as grandchildren Jackson, Eli, Julia, Jacob, Noah, Abigail, Emily, and Amanda. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman, and sister, Louise.

Outside of work and family, Helene enjoyed being active—tennis and bike riding in the summer, skiing in the winter, and walking all year round. An avid reader, she was a member of at least two book clubs at all times and would say that she was among the few who actually read the whole book. She always had a needlepoint or knitting project underway. Like her mother, she made it a point to knit a blanket for each of her grandchildren in the color scheme of their schools. A talented and prolific baker, Helene could always be counted on to have brownies or cookies available for visitors. And her epic apple pies were always the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dessert options.

Helene was committed to Jewish organizations and played active roles in the temples she was a member of. She served as President of Sisterhood at Sons of Zion in Holyoke and was a regular participant in Torah study at Congregation B'nai Shalom in Westborough.

Those who knew Helene will remember her for her warmth, intelligence, and organization. Up until her very last days, she remained so sharp, and her memory was exceptional: her children could count on her for accurate information of all class projects and many class mates,

throughout their days growing up in Holyoke. When Helene took on a task, large or small, you knew she would deliver above expectations.

A graveside service will be held on September 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sons of Zion Cemetery, 72 Ludlow Road, Chicopee, MA.  Memorial Observances will be announced.  Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helene's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research; Congregation Sons of Zion in Holyoke; or Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.