Helena K. Werner

Helena K. Werner, age 80, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, near her home in Staten Island, after a short but brave battle with cancer. Her husband, Eugene, was lovingly by her side.

Born on July 23, 1944, in Siberia, Russia, to Irena Kreinik and Marcus Lazar Kreinik, Helena experienced a rich and diverse upbringing. She spent part of her childhood in Sweden and visited Poland to see her father’s hometown before immigrating to the United States as a middle schooler.

Helena pursued higher education at what is now known as LIU Post (formerly C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University) in Brookville, New York. She dedicated her professional life to healthcare, working as a Chief Medical Technologist and Phlebotomist at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in Manhattan.

Helena found joy in life’s simple pleasures—her morning coffee, quiet moments spent watching wildlife rehabilitation shows, and the intrigue of her favorite murder mysteries and medical TV series. Those who knew her will remember her dedication to family, her love and care for animals, and her infectious laugh.

Helena is survived by her beloved husband Eugene; her daughter Irena Werner-Buoninfante; her sister Ida Friedlander; her brother-in-law Arthur Friedlander; and her nephew Mark Friedlander.

Viewings will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302, with a service at 8:00 PM.

If you’d like to send flowers potted plants or flowers in vases are appreciated or in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the World Wildlife Fund or the ASPCA, causes close to Helena’s heart.