Helen E. (Reynolds) Ducey

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Helen Elizabeth Ducey, on March 25, 2021, at age 96. Born and raised in New Milford, CT, the daughter of Francis and Mary Reynolds, Helen was a lifelong resident of New Milford. Helen was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Edward M. Ducey.

She is survived by her three children and family members: her daughter: Susan Boldi and son-in-law, Fred; her sons: Richard Ducey and Kevin Ducey; grandchildren: Erin Boldi; and Christopher Boldi and his wife, Amanda, and their son, Mario, who is Helen’s only great-grandchild.

She is also survived by one sister, Jane Lathrop of New Milford. She was predeceased by her sisters Marion Taylor and Lorraine Keilty. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Ducey and his wife Nancy.  She leaves many nieces and nephews.  A special thank you goes to Cindy Day who gave friendship and care to Helen for such a long time.

Helen developed a love of dogs as a young girl, and that love continued as an adult with her beloved poodles and Yorkies. Helen developed a fashion sense starting when she was a schoolgirl helping to make her own stylish outfits. Her fashion style matured along with the times and she often modeled outfits at the boutiques and department stores at the urging and to the delight of the salespeople. She had a green thumb and, along with her late husband, Edward, filled the outdoors with beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers; yellow roses were her favorite flower. She and Edward also loved to decorate both inside and outside every Christmas, and their house overflowed with holiday decorations.

One of the many happy times in Helen’s life was when she served as chauffeur/companion to Natacha Rambova, a dancer, playwright, and actress who was once the wife of silent screen star Rudolph Valentino. Ms. Rambova, who lived in New Milford for several years prior to her death, didn’t drive, so she relied on Helen for transportation and companionship on weekly trips to New York City, as well as on brief outings around New Milford.

In retirement, she and Edward enjoyed extended visits with their children in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Ohio. In their later years, they became snowbirds and spent several months each winter & spring in Palm Bay, FL. Among their discoveries there, they regularly walked the boardwalk nature trail through the Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay.

A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life will be held when family and friends are able to safely come together to celebrate her life. Since Helen loved animals, donations may be made to Animal Welfare Society, 8 Dodd Rd., New Milford, CT 06776.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen E. (Reynolds) Ducey, please visit our floral store.