Obituary: Helene Facher, 98

Atlanta has lost one of her true matriarchs. Helene Kantor Facher (1918-2016) passed on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at her apartment, surrounded by loved ones.

Nonnie, as she was called by so many, lived in Atlanta for 98 years. After sharing the stage with the son of Mayor William Hartsfield at the Fox Theatre as valedictorian of her high school, she traveled to New York City in search of a Depression-era livelihood. She returned to Atlanta with her husband, Bernard Facher, a Czechoslovakian who immigrated in advance of the Holocaust. She supported him as he founded and grew Fasher Painting and Decorating. Together they frequently entertained friends around card tables and became leaders in multiple Jewish organizations.

With her husband, Ms. Facher raised her one daughter, Robyn Berger, of blessed memory, who became a trailblazing leader in the developmental disabilities community. She was always there for her son-in-law, Martin Berger, who took over the family business. She served as a devoted aunt to her sister Harriet’s children, Barry Warshaw (Mary), Barbara Dale and Beverly Keis (John). She was active in helping raise her grandchildren, Lisa and Chip Boardman, Eric Berger and Melissa Lerman, and Lori and David Bryan. And finally, she was able to share the joy of four great-grandchildren, Ross, Allison, Benjamin and Ella, and many great-nieces and -nephews. With her many friends and close-knit family, she loved gardening, preparing speeches and writing poems for all occasions. She was eager to engage in a political discussion, highlighting her wide-ranging knowledge and intensity. She also loved traveling and sharing her stories of her adventures with whoever would listen.

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Mrs. Facher, admired by so many during her life for her accomplishments, regal demeanor and glowing smile, will be sadly missed. The family would like to thank her loving caregivers, Debbie, Suzanne, Dorette, Bisi and Jacki, along with the wonderful staff and aides at Hammond Glen, where she resided for 12 years. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helene’s memory to the Zimmerman-Horowitz Developmental Disabilities Fund at Jewish Family & Career Services, The Temple, and Congregation Shearith Israel. A graveside service was held Sunday, Dec. 18, at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.