Helga "Sunnie" Epstein

LEOMINSTER - Helga "Sunnie" Epstein, 94, formerly of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Sunrise Senior Living of Leominster.

Helga was a survivor of the Holocaust and came to the United States in 1940 at the age of 16. During World War II, she enrolled at the Burbank Hospital School of Nursing. In July of 1945, she became a naturalized citizen of the U.S.A. She was the first Jewish student to graduate the RN program of the Burbank Hospital School of Nursing in 1947. During her time at Burbank, she was given the nickname "Sunnie" which stayed with her throughout her life. It was also during this time that she met and married Irving. They were married for over 50 years.

Sunnie worked for years as a labor and delivery nurse at Burbank. She later became an instructor and Assistant Principal at the Burbank Hospital School of Practical Nursing, and enrolled at Boston University in 1963. Having received her Bachelor of Science in Guidance in 1967, she continued her studies toward her Master's degree in Education, obtaining it in 1970. She achieved both degrees while working full time at Burbank, raising daughters and commuting 2 to 3 nights a week to Boston. She then changed her career by accepting a position with the Ashby School System as a Guidance Director. She joined the staff of Montachusett Regional Vocational School District prior to its opening where she became coordinator of the Allied Health and Community Service.

In 1970, she was one of the co-founders of the LUK Crisis Center Inc. As a member of the Massachusetts Department of the Education Drug Team, she traveled to schools across the state to facilitate workshops.

In 1982, Sunnie was elected to the MRVTS District School Committee and served as a member/chairperson representing Fitchburg for 20 years.

After her retirement as the Director of Adult Training and Retraining Program at Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School in Lexington, she spoke about her experience as a Holocaust survivor to high schools and colleges across New England.

Sunnie enjoyed camping, skiing and traveling. She made many trips abroad to Europe and Israel. Her favorite thing was spending time with her family. She was also very active member of Congregation Agudat Achim.

She was preceded by her husband, Irving Epstein in 2001 and her brother, Walter in 2001. She leaves two daughters, Jackie Davis and her husband, Glen of Leominster and Judy Sciabarrasi and her husband, Jim of Andover; four grandchildren, Leah Sciabarrasi and her husband, Chez Casadei, Joel Sciabarrasi and his wife, Brittney, Dan Sciabarrasi and his wife, Laura and Shari (Davis) Wilmot and her husband, Mike; two great-grandchildren, Xavi and Luca Casadei.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 2, at Congregation Agudat Achim, 268 Washington Street, Leominster, under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. Burial will be in Agudat Achim Cemetery in Fitchburg. Immediately following the interment, the family invites everyone to a reception at Congregation Agudat Achim. Memorial Observance will continue 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the residence of Jackie and Glen Davis. Further, Memorial Observance will continue from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at the residence of and Judy and Jim Sciabarrasi. Minyan Services will be held each evening at 7:00 p.m.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Agudat Achim, 268 Washington Street, Leominster, MA 01453; or to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure, 6900 E. Belleview Avenue, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.