Helene Brownstein was born in the Bronx, N.Y. to Anne Schor and Morris Brownstein.  The family resided on Gun Hill Road where her mother was a seamstress and her father had a fur business.  In her youth, Helene worked as an assistant to a stockbroker, an assistant to the New York Jets, modeled, and paid her way through Queens College.  Additionally, she worked in Miami as a manager of a Supper Club and tended bar.  In her later years, she worked in Interior Design, Consignment, and Antique Sales.  Helene adored animals, loved gardenias and wildflowers, had a wonderful sense of humor, and frequently collected art.  Her daughter has been known to state this phrase about her mother, Helene: "It is through the strength of my Mom that I have survived some of the biggest of life's challenges.  What a woman!"  Helene is survived by her brother Donald Brownstein, nephew Graham Brownstein, niece Sunny Brownstein, nephews Blake and Chase Brownstein, and her daughter, Jessica Roth.