Hebert, Helene E.
May 18, 1932 - August 24, 2021
Helene Elaine Hebert passed away peacefully on August 24, 2021 at age 89 in Hartford, CT. Elaine was born in Hartford, Connecticut to E. Edward Kaminsky and Helene Ryan Kaminsky in 1932.
At the age of 18, Elaine successfully eloped with the love of her life, Roland J. Hebert, after a previously thwarted attempt. The two spent the next 46 years deeply in love. Along with their three children, Elaine and Roland traveled extensively across
the United States in a camper, visiting more than 20 states, and stopping at every ice cream stand and gift shop along the way. After their daughters started their own families and retired from the family trips, their more adventurous son David continued their travels out west and abroad. Their children were left with
lifelong memories and maybe some lingering trauma. Along with her brother Ed Kaminsky and sister-in-law Beverley Hyde, Elaine owned and operated Lift the Latch Gift Shop on Main Street in Manchester for 33 years. The business was a labor of love and Elaine often referred to her customers as friends.
Elaine was a beloved mother and devoted Meme to her three children and five grandchildren.
Her pride in and enthusiasm for her grandchildren was evident by her attendance at countless recitals, plays, sports games, and races over the years. She was known for slipping a crisp $20 bill into her grandchildren's pockets along with a handful of Hershey kisses.
Elaine was full of surprises. In addition to her elopement, a secret she kept from her own children for 30+ years, she was quietly hilarious to the end, always ready with an eye roll or a sassy remark. She entertained her
grandchildren with stories from her school days at The Mount, where she was affectionately known as “Rusty.” Briefly a boarding student, Elaine moved back home after just a few weeks due to the unsatisfactory portion sizes in the school's dining hall. Elaine will always be remembered for her love of food and her ability to finish a Shady Glen sundae in 90 seconds or less. A believer in true love, Elaine could often be found reading romance novels with her trusty magnifying glass. However, the greatest love story of all would always be that of her and Roland. As Elaine was fond of reminding people “I've had the best, I don't need the rest!” Elaine and Roland's love story continues to inspire us today.
Elaine is endlessly loved and will be missed beyond words.
Elaine is predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Roland J. Hebert; her brother, Edward Kaminsky; her brother-in-law, Raymond Hebert; and two of her nephews, Alan and Ronald Kaminsky.
She will be remembered by her three children and their spouses, David Hebert; Lynn and Daniel Seypura, and Lisa and William O'brien. She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Katelyn Boushee, William O'brien Jr., Daniel Seypura Jr., Erin O'brien, and Patrick and Sophie Seypura. Elaine also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Donald Hebert, and his wife, Lorraine; her sister-in-law, Beverley Hyde; her sister-in-law Joan Kaminsky; and several nieces and nephews. Elaine's family sends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Seabury Meadows, especially Amy Marble, who brought joy to Elaine over the past year.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Alzheimer's Association. Donations may be directed to: Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT. Please note that your gift is in memory of Elaine Hebert. To leave a memory or message of condolence, please visit
www.holmeswatkins.com