Helena Kashmanian

SPRINGFIELD - Helena Kashmanian, 60, passed peacefully in the late evening of May 14, 2014 surrounded by her beloved family at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. Born on June 10, 1953 to Aaron and Loretta (Loranger) Kashmanian, she was a graduate of Classical High School. Helena obtained her operating room technical certification from STCC. She then began her post college education at Hunt Memorial Hospital in Boston, MA working with an exclusive cardiac emergency medical team. Later Helena was a docent at the Springfield Fine Arts Museum. She flourished in her profession for many years before succumbing to mental illness. She battled her disease for many years, determined to live relatively independent and never leave the town she had grown to love and know.

An inspiration in strength and tenacity, Helena leaves her mother, Loretta Kashmanian of Springfield, MA, brothers: Marcus Kashmanian of Agawam, MA, Anthony and James Kashmanian of Springfield, MA and John Kashmanian of Sturbridge, MA; sisters: Susan Kashmanian-Smith of West Springfield, MA, Karon Wojtkielo of Oak Bluffs, MA and Mary Boudreau of Ware, MA. She also leaves Felicia Romzek and Calliopy Romzek of OR. She was predeceased by her father.

Memorial donations may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 3803 N. Fairfax Dr. #100, Arlington, VA 22203. The family has entrusted New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill St., Springfield, MA with the arrangements. Visit www.nefcc.net