Helen ‘Helene’ Freuden
PUTNAM — After an extraordinary lifetime of faithful devotion to her family and friends, Helen “Helene” Freuden, 90, of Putnam, slipped away from the loving embrace of her family and finally answered God’s call home in the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
Helene miraculously survived a number of life-threatening events and illnesses, somehow always drawing back from the brink, bewildering her family and doctors. Her astounding resilience earned her the nickname of “Indestructible Helene,” making it clear that she inherited the DNA and fighting spirit of her own mother Tina, who lived to age 106.
Helene was raised to be a smart, kind, compassionate young lady with a strong moral compass and a deep sense of faith. This served her well as a wise old woman, polished by experience and tested by adversity. She overcame every challenge that came her way.
Helene was born Helen Anna Olivo on Jan. 7, 1934, in Providence, to Antonio and Artina (Zanni) Olivo. Her love of Italian culture began with the olive oil used to anoint her at baptism and continued throughout her life. Her home was a place of remarkable welcome, whether you were boisterous or broken, a sinner or a saint. Everyone was greeted with unbridled enthusiasm, treated with the utmost respect, and fed from a table that nearly buckled from the delicious offerings always heaped upon it. For this, she became known as the “Matriarch of the Italian Wonder Kitchen.” Love was the first ingredient in every recipe, tenderly prepared to fill the belly and feed the soul.
Holidays could not be more special with the baking of traditional Italian egg biscuits, ricotta pie, and pizzagaina. Mom had the gift to make every meal feel special, whether she prepared the Feast of the Seven Fishes for our Christmas La Vigilia or whipped up a simple breakfast frittata. She loved her morning Joe, a Friday night Southern Comfort Manhattan, a glass of red wine with dinner, and an Amaretto coffee on special occasions.
Her talents were not limited to the kitchen. She developed her vibrant personality at North Providence High School, where she added the “e” to the end of her first name because it sounded chic. She graduated in 1952 and joined the Providence Washington Insurance Company as a skilled secretary who could type a blazing 100 words a minute. Her greatest memories came from working at her family’s legendary business, Olivo’s Beach, now Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett, R.I. It was there that she fell in love with the ocean, which brought her healing and serenity in any season.
She also fell in love with Umberto “Bert” Colangelo. They married in Providence in 1954 and started their life and family, which grew to include four spirited children. They moved to Connecticut and eventually settled in Putnam, where Helene became a beloved member of the community. She always balanced being a wife, mother, and career woman with grace while dealing with her growing health challenges. She supported her children’s endeavors even when her health or work prevented her participation. She always encouraged her kids to become the best version of themselves. She taught us that life wasn’t about being the best; it was about giving it your best.
Mom always gave it her best. She advanced her education and skills to become the first executive secretary for Frito-Lay in Killingly. She worked harder than anyone we knew, yet made it look effortless. One of her career highlights was meeting company founder Herman Lay.
In her later years, she supported her children’s business endeavors, which included fitness centers and other establishments in Virginia Beach, and she especially enjoyed the hustle and bustle of greeting customers at Fox Hunt Farms Gourmet and Café in South Woodstock.
New chapters of joy were written as each grandchild arrived and Helene was finally able to attend their events, graduations, and celebrations. The grandkids could easily spot Grandma in any crowd with her jet-black hair, adorable face, perpetual smile, bling attire, and her ever-present multi-colored jacket. They were her world, and she established unique relationships with each one. Stavros held a special place as her firstborn grandchild and was a constant source of delight. She loved watching him grow into a respectful and responsible young man and was grateful to attend his 2019 college graduation in San Diego, Calif. First-born granddaughter Emily captured her heart, and they enjoyed their frequent girl time together, shopping, baking and chatting. Grandma Helene always had all the right words, and as evidence, Emily saved every voicemail Grandma left for her. Next came Nico, who impressed his grandmother with his sophisticated palate as a toddler, heartily consuming her pasta dishes laden with garlic, calamari, and shrimp. The way he devoured his first pepperoncini pepper nearly brought tears to her eyes. She was proud of his graduation from LaSalle Academy and his academic and golfing success. The twins arrived to round out her growing family and Noah and Grace truly doubled her pleasure. She stayed glued to the television to watch Noah’s athletic success in football and track, and was taken with Gracie’s beauty, sense of style, and fiery independence, as if it reminded her of her younger self. They all grew to adults in the blink of an eye, and she was so very proud of all of them.
Helene defined unconditional love, and nothing mattered more than La Famiglia. She spoke to her children every day to plan the next visit, Sunday dinner, or upcoming holiday. Her inclusive home and heart were always open to all, and she was especially grateful for the warm, loving relationships she developed with the Evripidou, Crosetti, Howell, Quinn, and Freuden families.
She had a kind word for everyone she met. Even when she was silenced by a stroke in 2021, she could still impart her love and concern for others with one word: “Hi.” It came to mean everything, and this time of challenge revealed her greatest fortitude and spirit. She overcame this as she did everything in her life…with astonishing grace, dignity, and gratitude. She showed us that the language of love does not come from the lips…it flows from the heart.
Finally, after a lifetime of prevailing against all odds, she was ready to rest.
She leaves her devoted children David and Tracey Colangelo; Linda Colangelo and Laura Crosetti, with whom she made her home; Paul Colangelo and Colleen Howell; and Lisa and Marios Evripidou. Her life was enriched beyond measure by her grandchildren, Stavros Evripidou, Emily Colangelo, Nicolas Colangelo, and Noah and Grace Colangelo.
Helene married Nathan Freuden in 1984 and inherited a second family to love. She leaves her stepchildren Neal Freuden and Andrea Levy, and Gary McMaster; step grandchildren Sarah Freuden (Ross Johnston); Darcy Freuden-Wachter; and step great-granddaughter Adelaide Johnston. Helene kept everyone close in heart and was always delighted to hear of their growth and success.
She also leaves her beloved sister, Edith Rogers of Bunnell, Fla., and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by former husbands Umberto Colangelo and Nathan Freuden, and stepson Ray Freuden. Helene was also recently predeceased by her dear friend Frank Crosetti, who affectionately referred to her as his “coffee wife.” Frank went ahead to make sure there was a fresh pot brewing for her arrival. Helene also leaves her very dear friends Cindy Clark and Meredith Kerttula, who provided much companionship and care in these recent years.
The family thanks Dr. Joseph Botta, Liz Botta, and staff for the many years of life-saving care and warm friendship; Mom’s comeback band of therapists and nurses…Beth, Karen, Tina, Susan, and the army of caregivers from Day Kimball Hospital, Homecare, Hospice, Connecticut Community Care, and Careforth. Thanks to these services, we were able to keep Mom home safe and sound, respected, admired, dignified, and loved until she drew her final breath.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret St., Pomfret. Reception to follow at Grill 37 in Pomfret.
Donations: Day Kimball Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260, or online at https://www.daykimball.org/donate/. Please designate your gift to Day Kimball Hospital, Homecare Fund, and/or Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeast CT in memory of Helen A. Freuden. For the memorial guestbook, visit https://www.gilmanandvalade.com/.
Rest in peace, beloved mother. You were our greatest blessing, and we knew no greater love.
By Linda Colangelo

Ralph T. Hildebrand
PUTNAM — Ralph T Hildebrand, 74, of Putnam, died Oct. 24, 2024, at Davis Place, Danielson. Ralph was born June 27, 1950 in Ellenville, N.Y., to the late Emerson and Ruth (Daniels) Hildebrand and beloved husband of the late Doris (Cheney) Hildebrand, whom he married Feb. 23, 1991.
Ralph was raised in Ellenville and attended Ellenville school system.  His greatest joy when he lived in Ellenville was being on the fire company for Kimball Hose and the Pioneer Engine Company.  Ralph enjoyed doing woodcrafts over the years. He’s created wood crafts, things from his talents which people have gotten to enjoy.  
Ralph had a lot of jobs over the years: Glusker M Candy, Ellenville steam laundry, Westview Homes, newspaper delivery, Kimble Hose Company #2, & Pioneer Engine Company #1, 1977-1984.
He leaves his granddaughter Ann (Joe) Zadziejko, A Godson, Sean Robare of New Hampshire; great-niece, Desiree Robare of Maine; nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Ralph is predeceased by his parents and his wife; he’s also predeceased by all his siblings — brothers: Bob Hildebrand, Henry Hildebrand, Joe Hildebrand and sisters: Anna Hull, Shirley Decker, Jean Rose, Ora Bollin. The family would like to thank the staff of Davis Place for their care of Ralph.  The burial will be private later at the convenience of the family.

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