Helen Talesnick Fichman

Helen Talesnick Fichman,
formerly of Indianapolis, died in Atlanta, Georgia on April 7, 2015. She was born September 8, 1915 in Lafayette and lived in Indianapolis until the age of 89 when she moved to Atlanta. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Rose (Galerman) and Louis Talesnick; beloved brother, Irvin Talesnick; and her very beloved husband, Dr. Philip Julius Fichman.

Mrs. Fichman was a graduate of Shortridge High School. As a teenager, she was Queen Esther of the JEA Purim Ball circa 1932. Mrs. Fichman graduated from Indiana University with a Master's degree in Social Work. She worked for the Red Cross after a flood in southern Indiana and then for several years at Jewish Family Services and the former Bornstein Home. One of her most meaningful experiences was when she was responsible for the in-transit and settlement of all German Jewish youths who arrived in Indianapolis circa 1938-39 for the "Indianapolis Jewish Welfare Society". After her children were grown, she worked for the Jewish Federation of Indianapolis and then at Ayres Glendale.

During the years she was raising her daughters, Mrs. Fichman devoted many hours to volunteer work. She was a member of the National Council of Jewish Women, Hooverwood Guild, The Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, and Hadassah. She served several terms on the board of The Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, led several campaigns for the Jewish Federation of Indianapolis, and served in many positions with Hadassah, including President of the Indianapolis Chapter and on the Regional Board. One of her most cherished times with Hadassah was when she helped launch the Haima Group (The mothers) from which came many future Hadassah leaders. She always referred to them as her girls and maintained relationships with some of them until the time she moved to Atlanta.

Mrs. Fichman is survived by her dear brother, Stanley Talesnick; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Arthur Shorr; daughter, Lynne Savage; grandchildren, Ross and Jody Daniels, Rachel Daniels, Robert Daniels, Benjamin and Laura Savage, and Rose (Savage) and Alan Gross. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren who brought joy and pleasure in her later years, Michael and Andrew Daniels, Hannah and Danielle Gross, and Jacob Philip Savage. Additional survivors are her nieces and nephews, Jill Talesnick Wilkins, Jane Talesnick, Kay Talesnick Gilmore, Alan Talesnick and Steven Talesnick with whom she shared a special bond.

Her daughter, Lynne, and granddaughter, Rose, extend their thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Fichman's dedicated caretakers for the last several years; Freddie Newel, Christine Cash and Sheila Jackson and to the dedicated staff at Huntcliff Summit especially her dear friends, Charity and Deborah.

Funeral services will be held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road, on Sunday, April 12th at 3 PM with internment to follow at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation South Cemetery, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the LOUIS & ROSE TALESNICK Immigrant Education Fund c/o Indianapolis Jewish Federation or the Indianapolis Chapter of Hadassah. The family will receive visitors in Indianapolis at the Clubhouse at Olde Mill Condominiums following the service. There will be a Memorial Service at Huntcliff Summit in Atlanta, Georgia at a date to be announced.