Helene Firetag Kligman was born August 12, 1931 in Charleston, SC. She peacefully passed away in her family home on Sullivan's Island Tuesday, September, 19, 2017, surrounded by her children and her sister, Lynda Denberg. She was the daughter of the late Mildred and Joseph Firetag. Helene was the beloved wife of Melton Kligman (of Blessed Memory). They were married in Charleston, SC in 1951. Helene was a member of the last graduating class of Memminger High School in Charleston. She grew up on St. Phillip Street and spent 60 years in Forest Acres in Columbia, SC.

Helene was the Matriarch of the family and was known as Ema, the Hebrew word for mother. She was devoted to her husband of 61 years, her five children and their spouses, her 12 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She never missed a performance or sports activity. She and her husband, Melton, had a full life. She was active in the Jewish community and the local cultural community. She loved films and going to the Nickelodeon and Workshop theatres. She and her husband traveled the world with friends, but her favorite place was Sullivan's Island. She played bridge, Mah Jong, golf and loved to walk on the beach and in her neighborhood. She had a passion for working with children with special needs. Helene had a beautiful home and was always dressed in the latest fashions. She was known for her beauty and was loved by many. She had a zest for life and was known for her spirit and energy that will be forever remembered by her family and friends.

Helene cherished all aspects of Judaism. She was a member of Beth Shalom Synagogue. She was the past president of Beth Shalom Sisterhood and a Life Member of Hadassah. She instilled these values in her family. She hosted and welcomed family, friends, students and newcomers to her home for many holiday meals. Her legacy will be her love and dedication to her family.

She is predeceased by her sister, Phyllis Firetag and survived by her younger sister, Lynda Denberg, her five children, Lyssa (Jonathan) Harvey, Mindy (David) Odle, Heidi (David) Lovit, Kala (Ken) Sheckler and Joe (Vanessa) Kligman. Her 12 grandchildren, Eden (Matt) Hendrick, Melissa (Jason) Cofar, Jordane (Joe) Lotts, Rachel (Dan) Noyes, Adam (Shanna) Lovit, Kyle (Grace) Harvey, Morgan Lovit, Aspen Odle, Rebekah Lovit, Kendal and Karley Sheckler and Louis Kligman; and eight great grandchildren, Jackson and Hannah Hendrick, Willa and Max Cofar, Molly and Lucy Noyes, Jonathan and Jake Lotts.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers, especially Angela Overton who helped Helene live with peace and dignity.

The graveside service will be held 11 o'clock, Wednesday, September 20th, at The Beth Shalom Arcadia Lakes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beth Shalom Synagogue, 5827 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC, 29206. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.