Helen Irene Medici

January 21, 1924 – June 7, 2026

Helen Irene Medici passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved children, in the early morning hours of June 7, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102.

Born on January 21, 1924, in Hillsdale, New York, Helen was the cherished daughter of Meta and Raymond Ten Broeck. Along with her five siblings, Kenneth Ten Broeck, Mildred Larkin, Hazel O’Hara, Minnianna Van Deusen, and Clifford Ten Broeck, Helen was raised in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, a community that remained close to her heart throughout her life. Helen grew up adoring her mother, Meta, whose love, strength, and example helped shape the compassionate and resilient woman Helen would become.

Helen later made her home in Wayne, New Jersey, where she spent many years raising her family; and, eventually Hawthorne, New Jersey where she resided until 2019, when she moved to Florida to live with her daughter, Susan and son-in-law Richard, whom she loved dearly.

Helen’s life was forever changed when she met her soon-to-be husband, Anthony Medici, while ice skating in Great Barrington. Their love story began with a little persistence and a memorable act of devotion. When Anthony decided he wanted to ask Helen on a date, he went to the hardware store where she worked, only to discover that she was out on break. Determined not to miss his opportunity, he waited for her to return — so long, in fact, that he eventually had to buy a screwdriver while he waited. That small, charming moment marked the beginning of a beautiful love story.

Helen and Anthony shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 1998. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion, raising three children: Anthony “Tony” Medici Jr., who preceded her in death; Robert Medici; and Susan Medici Meyer.

Affectionately called “Toughie,” Helen's nickname perfectly captured her spirit. She was a fierce and fearless woman — fiercely independent, determined, and accepting of life’s challenges. She possessed a remarkable strength of character, while her playful personality and warm heart made her deeply loved by all who knew her.

Helen embraced life fully and found joy in simple pleasures, especially spending time with family. Earlier in life, she loved to cook and bake pies. Her fried meatballs, potato salad, and banana cream pie became family classics. She was also first to jump into any activity, whether that be backyard baseball, swimming, or off-roading adventures.

She loved reading, completing word searches and puzzles, taking walks, and keeping her mind active and engaged. Her memory was uncanny. She never missed a birthday, graduation, or anniversary. She could also recall details of her childhood and of distant family members and enjoyed sharing those stories with anyone who asked. As a devoted New York Yankees fan, Helen faithfully cheered on her team through every season—even until the last week of her life. Her curiosity, playfulness, and sharp mind remained with her throughout her incredible 102 years.

Helen was known for her generous and benevolent nature. She cared deeply about the people around her and often looked for ways to help her neighbors and those in need. Her kindness, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand reflected the loving heart she carried throughout her life.

Above all else, Helen treasured her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from watching her family grow through the generations. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Robert Medici and his wife, Annette Medici; Susan Medici Meyer, widow of the late Richard J. Meyer; her daughter-in-law Julianne Medici, widow of her late son, Anthony, “Tony” Medici Jr.; her eight grandchildren, Kimberly Medici, Lisa Maldonado, Nicole Schwartz, Anthony Medici III, Catherine Dunkerly, Dominic Medici, Erika Goodrich, and Michael Medici; and her great-grandchildren, Gwyneth Hesseltine; Ian and Andrew Schwartz; Anna and Kylie Medici; Caleb, Trenton, Seth, and Amelia Medici; and Louis Dunkerly.

Helen’s extraordinary 102 years, leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, independence, generosity, and enduring love. Her fierce spirit, fearless heart, accepting nature, and devotion to her family will continue to live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family and friends find comfort in the memories she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared. Helen’s long-lived life was truly a gift and inspiration to all.