Helen Alexandor

Helen Seckel or Nodek Boas Alexandor

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Birth: June, 18 1908 in Wrocław, Dolnośląskie, Poland

Death: March 5, 1996 in Victoria, B.C.

Gravesite Details: Plot Row B – Plot 5

Inscription:

משה בן חיים בעז
ת׳נ׳צ׳ב׳ה
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
A DEAR HUSBAND AND FATHER
MARTIN BOAS
1898 – 1953
AND HIS LOVING WIFE
HELEN BOAS ALEXANDOR
SADLY MISSED BY SON CYRIL
AND ELIZABETH
1908 – 1996

REST IN PEACE

Translation of Inscription:

משה בן חיים בעז
(Hebrew: Moshe ben Chaim Boaz)
ת׳נ׳צ׳ב׳ה
(Abbreviation of Hebrew: “May his/her soul be bound with the bond of life.”)
In loving memory of
a dear husband and father
Martin Boas
1898 – 1953
and his loving wife
Helen Boas Alexandor
Sadly missed by son Cyril
and Elizabeth
1908 – 1996
Rest in peace

Biography:
Wife, mother, socialite, long time Hadassah member

Information about Helen was before she became Mrs. Martin Boas is contradictory. There is a marriage certificate in Seattle dated February 16, 1936 between Martin Boas and Helen Seckel. The only other reference to Helen Seckel that was found was on January 7, 1929, when the Times Colonist reported that Mr. and Mrs. Eli Bean threw an engagement party for their daughter Bertha to Rabbi Jack Levy, and Helen Seckel was listed as a guests.

Much more evidence exists suggesting that Helen’s maiden name was Nodek and that Victoria resident Isador Max Nodek was her uncle. The February 19, 1939 Times Colonist reported: “Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock the marriage of Helen Nodek, niece of Mr. I. Nodek of 1015 Cook St and Mr. Martin Boas son of Mr and Mrs Henry Boas of Seattle, took place at the home of the bridegroom’s brother and sister-in-law Mr and Mrs. Alfred Boas….Given in marriage by her uncle Mr. I. Nodek of Victoria, the bride was unattended and wore a smart frock of dusty pink silk crepe and a blue hat, and other accessories in blue and carried a bouquet of pink rosebuds, pink carnations and blue flowers. The bridegroom was unsupported.”

The couple returned to Victoria and took up residence at 1015 Cook Street, the same address as Isador Nodek.

Helen Nodek made the papers a number of times. On November 14, 1931 the Victoria Daily Colonist credited her for translating an article written in German about the wilderness around Victoria. (article posted). Her attendance at social events was noted, including her participation in Hadassah.

Helen Nodek had a long association with Hadassah. On January 30, 1936 the Times Colonist reported that she and her uncle were among those who greeted Mme Yetta Levy-Stein when she arrived in Victoria as part of a Hadassah sponsored tour of Canada to promote Zionism. Both Helen and Isador also attended a dinner at the Empress Hotel in Yetta’s honor.

The Daily Colonist noted on November 25, 1939 that Mrs M. Boas hosted a dinner party for 14 in honor of another speaker on Zionism.

Mrs. Martin Boas’ participation in social events. News about parties she hosted were occasionally reported in the papers during the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Helen’s gravestone states her name as Helen Boas Alexandor. The Alexandors were part of Helen’s social circle. Martin Boas died in 1953. Beginning in 1957, Helen Alexandor’s or Mrs. A.E. Alexandor’s participation in Hadassah’s Bazaars appears in the paper. Mrs. A.E. (Helen) Alexandor was listed as convener of the baking table in 1957, 1959, 1963,1964, 1965 and 1968.

The Victoria City Directories listed Martin as living at 1015 Cook Street until 1950, when the address changed to 1215 Cook Street. Helen’s name was sometimes listed beside Martin’s. In 1954, Helen was listed as a widow.

According to the 1957 Voters registration list, A.E. Alexandor was listed as retired and both he and Helen Alexandor lived on Lincoln Road. Helen was still living on Lincoln Road according to the 1968 Voter’s registration list.

Spouses:
Martin Boas (1898-1953)
Abraham Ernest Alexandor (1889-1962)

Child:
Cyril Henry Boas

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