Ridgefield, CT

Helen Miriam Nalibow, 97, passed away on Februrary 2,2012. Born in the Bronx, NY, she grew up in New York City, where she studied both piano and violin. She attended the New School for Social Research, taking music courses from the now famous American composer, Aaron Copeland. In 1941, following her marriage to Joseph Nalibow, Helen and Joe moved to Woodstock, Vermont, for what Helen anticipated would be a brief hiatus before returning to New York City. Nevertheless, they lived in Woodstock for the entire course of their 60 year marriage until Joe's death in 2002. From 1953 to 1977 he operated the Woodstock Pharmacy. Helen introduced cosmetics and beauty products to the pharmacy so women no longer had to travel to New York to buy them. Helen's life was further enriched by her love of music, literature and the arts. Helen and Joe bore two children: Susan Ruxin Steiner (of Ridgefield, CT) and Kenneth Nalibow, UVM Professor Emeritus (of Burlington, VT). Susan was married to Dr Ruxin, even after their divorce, continued to be Helen's physician. Helen also had two wonderful grandchildren, Lisa Ruxin Phillips and Josh Ruxin, grand -son-in-law John Phillips and grand daughter-in-law Alissa Ruxin. She is also survived by five beautiful great-grandchildren, Avery and Koll Phillips (of Wellesley, MA), and Maya, Elodie, and Elias Ruxin (currently of Kigali, Rwanda). There will be no official funeral services. Helen will be interred next to her husband in Woodstock. In lieu of flowers the family is accepting donations to the American Diabetes Association.