Helen Louise O’Connell, 72, of Randolph, MA died peacefully on December 9th, 2021 at South Shore Hospital.
Helen was born on May 26th, 1949 in Boston, MA. She was the fourth of twelve children to John and Marie O’Connell. A special girl to both her parents, Helen was a survivor of spinal meningitis as a baby. She went on to live a quiet, happy and wholesome life.
Helen lived with roommates in a residential home where she was cared for by the dedicated and kind individuals of Human Service Options. Those who knew Helen would describe her as loving, bossy and sweet. She appreciated ritual and routine. She loved attending her day program, Road to Responsibility, for the past 20+ years, which is a testament to the wonderful staff.
Better than most, Helen was able to find so much joy in the simple things in life. She enjoyed visitors and was always quick to ask you how you were feeling. She had an excellent memory and never failed to request updates about all the people she cared about. A tradition since childhood, Helen joyfully collected her dollar bills (coffee money) from friends and family each and every visit. There are so many things Helen loved. Some of her favorite things were a fresh cup of coffee, getting mail, donuts, getting a new CD, listening to Irish music, working on a puzzle and playing Bingo.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Marie, siblings Rita Knecht, Michael O’Connell and Eileen Nolet and dear friend Denise Hattenburg. She is survived by her siblings, Marie King, Lorraine Peacock, John O’Connell, Catherine Healey, Deanna Hilliard, Alice Kelly, Lawrence O’Connell and Norman O’Connell as well as many nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family, arrangements are private. Donations in memory of Helen can be made to The Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of MA at www. hospicefed.org.