Helena Ferreira Ribeirinha, a longtime Woburn resident, born April 6, 1935, in Rio-de-Janeiro, Brazil passed away Thursday morning, September 21st, while in the care of her daughters, Lucilene Ribeirinha and Dianne Ribeirinha-Braga. Helena was the beloved wife of the late Manuel Rodrigues Ribeirinha, who passed away in 2018, and the mother-in-law to Sergio Braga who she cared dearly for as a son.
Helena migrated to the United States the day after a severe winter storm came through New England in December 1963. She worked for Priscilla of Boston for a number of years, then with her husband at their bakery called Helens Bakery before getting a job at Harvard University Dining Services in 1976. During her time there she was able to help numerous acquaintances get jobs at HBS Dining Services, many who are still there today. She retired from Dining Services in 1991 to dedicate full time care for her oldest grandson and two more expecting grandchildren on the way.
Her retirement days were kept very busy with five grandchildren, Jon Manuel Ribeirinha-Prata, Jessica Mari Ribeirinha-Prata, Daniel Marcos Ribeirinha-Braga, Lillian Carolina Ribeirinha-Braga and Andre Luis Ribeirinha-Braga (D.2021) with soccer, ice-hockey, karate, skating, football, baseball and basketball practice among so many other activities. As her grandchildren got older and became more independent, she turned to helping friends, visiting those who could not get out, bringing them to doctor appointments, haircuts, outings, etc. Being there was Helena`s love language. As the last grandparent for these grandchildren, she was always engaged with them, chatting and learning and getting caught up in their jokes and games. "VoLena" was loved by them and by many others who were fortunate to know her. A lady through and through. She will be missed dearly.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Friday, September 29th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Church 280 Main St., Woburn at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home will be held on Thursday, September 28th, from 4 to 8 p.m. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions in Helena's memory may be made to giving.caredimensions.org in honor/memorial of "Ribeirinha". Care Dimensions supported both Manuel and Helena during their hospice care.