Helen Lauretta Martin, the daughter of the late Hazel V. Furlow and William Furlow was born in New Haven, CT on August 8, 1943. She was one of six children born to this union.
She entered peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on April 24, 2022.
She was educated in the New Haven Public School system, graduating from Wilbur Cross High School in 1961, where she was recognized as the first black captain of the majorette squad. Her educational pursuits continued later in her life at Albertus Magnus College. Helen was known for her professional career in the banking industry, for more than 40 years. She showed exemplary leadership transitioning various banks through many acquisitions.
Ms. Helen, as she was affectionately known, was a community activist and leader being elected as the co-chair to the 6th Ward of the New Haven Democratic Town Committee.
She was known for her passionate advocacy for issues including voter’s rights, affordable housing, public safety, fair wages, and a host of other civic matters. She was known for her “Get Out To Vote” campaigns where she tirelessly worked with her constituents to ensure their rights to vote remained protected.
“Tootsie,” as she was lovingly called by her family, was the Matriarch of three familial generations. She was the rock, glue, and anchor that kept everyone and everything together.
She was the loving mother of her one and only child, Monica Martin. She was the grandmother of Claude Greene, Jr. (Samaria) and Malcolm Greene (Jade); and the great-grandmother of Hunter Greene and Matthew Greene. She also leaves to celebrate her legacy two sisters, Juanita Furlow and Janice Furman; two brothers, Ronald Furlow (Betty) and Frederick Furlow (Deborah). She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her oldest brother, William “Butch” Furlow and her granddaughter, Grace Lynn Newell.
Melissa Bailey Photo
Helen, at right, during a fact-finding trip by Hill neighborhood leaders to Philadelphia in 2013.