In Memory of Helen Q. Kivnick

Vital Involvement

Helen said, “I am interested in understanding this process of promoting health and strength and well-being, and in trying to design programs that do that in large numbers of people "

Helen Q. Kivnick

Helen Kivnick passed away September 14, 2020. Helen's legacy includes the abundance of gifts she shared with thousands of people and the programs she inspired. She was a brilliant scholar, talented musician and had a passionate commitment to making the world a better and more joyful place for others of all ages. Helen possessed a warm spirit, generosity, intelligence, compassion, humor, and community- mindedness. While Helen's passing leaves deep sadness for people who knew and loved her, her legacy lives on through her writings, her music and the programs she developed. May her memory be a blessing. May we remember Helen by carrying on her legacy through the work we do, the stories we tell, and the people we serve.

From Linda Davis

The day I met Helen was among the most exciting days of my life. We met during a creativity session at the Aging Society of America conference in Chicago, Illinois. Almost immediately we recognized the complementarity of the work we were doing with Elders; Helen’s work in Vital Involvement and my work in creative health which was developed as a capstone to my Master's degree and used to provide opportunities in health promoting creativity for Elders living in affordable housing communities. Our professional work was driven by the passion we each have for making the world a better place, especially for marginalized elders.

Our relationship began as a professional collaboration which quickly turned into a rich friendship that enriched our professional and personal lives. Helen had a special gift of being able to understand the inner self and providing support. Our collaboration over the years included many phone calls which almost always started with catching up on what was going on in each of our lives. We shared countless laughs as well as tears as we shared touching or sad moments. Helen enriched my life in ways I had not even considered prior to meeting her. She was a precious jewel of a person. The lessons, support and love we shared will remain in a precious part of my heart.

Poem Written for Helen by Jamie Stern

Her Long-Time Friend and Yale Roommate

for Helen

If I cover a wall

If I paint it in blue

If I raise up a forest

Bring the ocean in view

If I raise up the ocean

And give it to you

On a wall with blue paint

If I offer the wall

If it floats on the ocean

If the water won’t fall

If I twist up a cloud

Into mountains of spray

If I climb to the top

If I stop and I pray

To the powers that be

Will they help you to stay

If I hand them a star

If I offer a pair

If I throw in the moon

And a beach in the air

If I roll up the waves

If they break in the sand

Very close to the moon

On the back of my hand

If I offer the waves

On some blue painted wood

If I reach out my hand

Could I hold yours for good

Or at least for the time

That your doctors attend

Till you gain back your strength

And recover, my friend.