Helda R. Charney's Obituary
Helda “Heldy “ Charney, 83 of Palm Coast, Florida died peacefully at home Sunday morning, July 25, 2021. She was the loving and beloved wife of Eugene M Charney. Heldy and Gene recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on July 4, 2021. Born in Havana, Cuba on June 7, 1938, Heldy was the daughter of José and Helda Sainz de la Peña. As a young woman, Heldy studied ballet at La Sociedad Pro-Arte Musical in Havana. She performed with the Ballet of Cuba under the artistic direction of Alberto Alonso in many productions including Swan Lake and Graduation Ball. Heldy and her family were very active in scouting in Cuba. She was extremely proud to have attended the World Scout Jamboree in London in 1957 as part of the Cuban contingent. She met Gene in 1958, when he was serving in Havana for the United States Army tracking satellites for NASA . They married the following year in her hometown.
After they were married, Heldy and Gene raised their family in Edison, NJ. In the early years of parenthood, Heldy was full-time homemaker. She later worked part-time at Bamberger’s in Menlo Park, NJ in the women’s department. She always had an exquisite style, and her eye for fashion propelled her to a position as a fashion consultant and personal shopper. When she and Gene moved to Charlotte, NC in 1986, she continued in that capacity in the specialty boutiques of Laura Ashley and Willis and Geiger.
Heldy and Gene retired to Palm Coast, Florida in 1993. In their retirement, Heldy and Gene became members of the volunteer community called RSVP. Their service included work helping children in schools with reading programs, ushering in the local theater, supporting various races and community events as well as working to decorate various parks for the holidays. She and Gene were honored as Outstanding Volunteers of the Year in 2005 and they were honored again for reaching the milestone of 20 years of service in 2016. Heldy was most proud of her work with The Giving Store which included a year-round effort to fundraise and gather donations for a project that allows young children to come and “shop” for gifts for everyone in their family at the holidays. She also volunteered at the St Vincent de Paul Thrift store in Flagler Beach.
Heldy was an amazing cook and seamstress. She loved swimming and fitness and tending her garden. She and Gene traveled extensively and remembered most fondly their trips to Spain, Italy and France, which she called “Two for the Road”. Heldy always loved to gather family and friends in her home. She loved visiting with her grandchildren and she was ever the proud “Abbi” celebrating their achievements and milestones along the way. She was an avid fan of dance of all genres including modern and flamenco. She also loved live theater, music and opera. She never missed an opportunity to attend live performances. She also loved old movies, and in these more quiet years, TCM was her favorite channel.
Most importantly, Heldy was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was our champion, our biggest fan and greatest support. Although housed in a tiny body, her tremendous spirit, courage and faith were only exceeded by the size of her heart. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: In addition to her husband Gene, Heldy is survived by her children: Joanne Palumbo (Dr. Robert Palumbo) of Orefield PA, Eugene Charney (Patricia) of Mendham, NJ and Cristina Charney (Charles Harrington) of Olympia, WA; her grandchildren: Jacob Palumbo (Los Angeles, CA), Samuel Palumbo (Brooklyn, NY), David Palumbo (San Francisco, CA), Benjamin Palumbo (Orefield, PA), Peter Charney (Alexandra) (Alameda, CA), Nathan Charney (Brooklyn, NY), Alexander Charney (Mendham, NJ), and Kylie Harrington (Los Angeles, CA). She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Rolando and Lola Sainz de la Peña of Madrid, Spain, her aunt Yolanda Treister (Miami, FL), and her circle of extended family and friends.
For anyone who wishes to make a donation in her memory, the family suggests the following organizations:
National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org/support-nof
Flagler Volunteer Services: www.flaglervolunteer.org
Flagler St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store: 386-439-0071
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