Obituary for Helene Block Fields (Kanter)
Helene Block Fields, nee Kanter, age 91, educator and artist, a Chicago native retired in Arizona, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on January 24, 2024. After graduating from Parker High School on Chicago’s south side, she received a degree from the Chicago Teachers College. She was an elementary school teacher and assistant principal. Her interest in early childhood education led to her going back to college for her master’s degree in early childhood education at Erikson Institute in Chicago. She taught at Oakton Community College and headed the Early Childhood Department. Notably, Helene was a pioneer of intergenerational programs, bringing together senior citizens and preschoolers through programs such as Gentle Connections. She published the book Don’t Cheat the Children, Connecting Generations Through Grand Friendships, in 2009. Helene became an accomplished artist, often drawing with her left hand (she was right-handed), to access the intuitive side of her creativity. She was a treasured resource to many friends, colleagues, students, and family. Beloved wife of the late Thomas Fields and the late Ralph Block; cherished mother of David (Ellen) Block and Steven Block (Renee Vaughan); loving grandmother of Aaron (Cherie Perkell), Joshua Mora, Emily, Benji, Abigail, Michael, Zoe, Nkosi and Omari and great grandchildren Brody, Raquel, Ethan, Charlotte and Julianne; dear sister of, Allen (Diane) Kanter, Myrna (John Summerhays) Orenstein, Linda (Jerry) Atlas and the late Calvin (survived by Carole) Kanter; fond aunt and great-aunt of many nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral Monday January 29th 12:30 pm at Zion Gardens Cemetery, 6600 W. Addison Street, Chicago. Those who cannot attend the funeral can watch it on Helene’s webpage at www.mitzvahfunerals.com live, or any time after the funeral. A meal of condolence “shiva” will be held after the funeral from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm at North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Road in Glencoe. Contributions in Helene’s name to Erikson Institute, www.erikson.edu/give 451 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654 would be appreciated. Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals 630-MITZVAH 630-648-9824