Helen Hawkins

Helen Hawkins, 100, beloved wife of the late Leonard (Lenny) Hawkins, passed away February 2, 2025 at Avery Heights in Hartford, CT. 

Helen was born on January 1, 1925 in New Haven, CT to Ralph and Louise Spencer.  She was raised in New Britain, CT and graduated from New Britain High School.  After high school, she worked at Aetna and while there met Leonard (Lenny) Hawkins.  Helen and Lenny were married in March of 1951, bought a house in Wethersfield and raised their family there.  When Lenny retired, they moved to New Bern, NC.  

Helen and Lenny vacationed often, taking cruises to many exotic destinations.  When at home, Helen produced beautiful needlework, refined sewing and crocheting projects and delicious meals and baked goods.  After Lenny’s passing in 2011, Helen moved back to CT to be closer to family and settled in at Avery Heights.  While living at Avery Heights, she developed wonderful friendships and was involved in many social activities. 

Helen will be remembered for her feisty spirit.  Her wish was to live to 100 and that spirit enabled her to do so.

Helen is survived by her sons, Peter and his partner, Jane Silvestri of North Haven; David and his wife Lynne of Berlin; brother, Fred Spencer; grandchildren, Susan Hawkins, John Hawkins, Jessica ((Dan) Eveleigh, Joshua Hawkins, Rebecca Hawkins and Katie (James) Genovese;  11 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.  Besides her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her son, John Hawkins and nephew, David Spencer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Avery Heights for the wonderful care they have provided Helen over the past 12 years. 

There will be no calling hours and the burial will be private.

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