Obituary: Helen Trattner Ross

Helen Trattner Ross, 94, passed away peacefully in Atlanta on Friday, July 10, after a remarkable life marked by intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial success, unwavering independence, and deep devotion to her family and Jewish heritage.

Helen was the beloved wife of Robert Warren Ross, who predeceased her in 2004. She is survived by her two sons, Jim Ross (Teipa) of Windham, Maine, and Doug Ross (Robyn) of Sandy Springs, Ga.; her grandchildren, Stephen Ross (Jane) of Montreal, and Jacob Ross (Chani) of Sandy Springs; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Ari and Ella Ross.

Born on July 4, 1932, in New York City, Helen was very pleased that the country celebrated her birthday with fireworks every year.

Helen attended the University of Connecticut before earning her bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University. In the 1970s, she founded Price Ross Associates, which quickly grew to become the largest residential real estate firm in eastern Massachusetts.

A lifelong learner, Helen possessed an insatiable curiosity and was a voracious reader. Her interests spanned Judaism, spirituality, Chinese history, politics, current events, physics, astronomy, nutrition, biographies, and every genre of fiction. In her later years, she became determined to learn modern Hebrew, embracing the challenge with the same enthusiasm she brought to so many other pursuits. She approached life with an open mind, a brilliant intellect (a five-time Jeopardy! champion), and a desire to understand the world in all its complexity.

Helen was a proud Jew and committed Zionist whose faith and heritage were central to her identity. She was deeply involved with Temple Beth Am in Framingham, Mass., and cherished her family’s long connection to Reform Judaism. Two of her great-grandfathers founded the first Reform Congregation in The Bronx in the early 1880s, a legacy she carried forward with pride.

Fearless and adventurous, Helen believed in living life on her own terms. In her mid-70s, she traveled alone to the Galápagos Islands and in her early 80s, toured Israel with Temple Sinai along with her sister, Jane. She loved golf, tennis, travel, theater, symphony, classical music, and an occasional glass of Scotch. She was also a very accomplished artist.

Above all, Helen treasured her family. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, and nothing brought her greater joy than gathering loved ones around the table. Fiercely independent, patriotic, compassionate, and clear-minded until the end, she inspired those around her by always choosing her own path with courage and conviction.

Helen also had a lifelong love of animals, especially her beloved cats, Tweed and Scooter, who brought her great comfort and companionship.

A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life was held at Temple Sinai at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 13, followed by a Shiva service at 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at Temple Sinai.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory can be made to Birthright Israel Foundation.