Obituary for Helen I. (Heller) Comeau
STERLING – Helen I. (Heller) Comeau of Sterling, MA, passed away on October 18, 2023. She is survived by her loving husband, David; daughter, Jill and her husband Randy Broxson; grandchildren; and many loved ones.
Born in Lacona, Iowa, to John and Ida Heller on November 26, 1946, Helen loved her youth in a close-knit, German, agricultural town. She enjoyed spending time with her grandparents, Frank Heller, George, Amila Wadle, and her brother Paul.
Helen found a love for teaching at an early age after attending rural day school. She began her career after earning a degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa. For over 40 years, she taught fifth grade at Dawson School in Holden, MA, influencing many students. A special enthusiasm for teaching and a remarkable memory helped her bond pupils and their families.
Helen married David in Lacona, IA in 1972 in a lovely ceremony. Together, they built their dream home on Albright Road in Sterling.
Her mother, Ida Heller, relocated from Iowa to live with Helen and David, and they were blessed to have her for 23 years. Her devoted family continues Helen’s legacy. Jill, brings so much happiness and love into the lives of Helen, David and Ida and they treasured her.
Helen was full of energy and adventure. Traveling was Helen’s favorite pastime, in which she cherished memories of a grand European vacation with her best friends after graduation, and visiting many countries and places with David. In addition to being an engaged member of the Sterling Women’s Club and a 20-year member of the Mass Miata Club, Helen and David loved taking weekend trips to New York City. Broadway musicals, they saw many. Helen’s friendliness attracted many new acquaintances. She was gifted at making others feel welcome and valued.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Helen’s family from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 at Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 24 at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling.
The Comeau family would appreciate a gift to Helen’s beloved Dana-Farber Cancer Institute instead of floral arrangements. http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/HelenComeau The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Rubinston and the Dana-Farber team for their compassionate treatment.
To Helen My Love, a love letter
We were together for over 50 years we became one,
Family was our roots, Ida joined our family for 22 years.
Life was good to us and gave us Jill
Teaching was more than your passion. Students knew your love
Believed in me and made me a success in business
We traveled the county and the world together
For relaxing Mysteries four a week, many crossword puzzles
Lots of fun were many many NYC Broadway shows
Friends was also a passion and very many you had
We were both human not perfect but loved our lives
All will miss you
But I miss you, my Love the most
Your lover
David
Born in Lacona, Iowa, to John and Ida Heller on November 26, 1946, Helen loved her youth in a close-knit, German, agricultural town. She enjoyed spending time with her grandparents, Frank Heller, George, Amila Wadle, and her brother Paul.
Helen found a love for teaching at an early age after attending rural day school. She began her career after earning a degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa. For over 40 years, she taught fifth grade at Dawson School in Holden, MA, influencing many students. A special enthusiasm for teaching and a remarkable memory helped her bond pupils and their families.
Helen married David in Lacona, IA in 1972 in a lovely ceremony. Together, they built their dream home on Albright Road in Sterling.
Her mother, Ida Heller, relocated from Iowa to live with Helen and David, and they were blessed to have her for 23 years. Her devoted family continues Helen’s legacy. Jill, brings so much happiness and love into the lives of Helen, David and Ida and they treasured her.
Helen was full of energy and adventure. Traveling was Helen’s favorite pastime, in which she cherished memories of a grand European vacation with her best friends after graduation, and visiting many countries and places with David. In addition to being an engaged member of the Sterling Women’s Club and a 20-year member of the Mass Miata Club, Helen and David loved taking weekend trips to New York City. Broadway musicals, they saw many. Helen’s friendliness attracted many new acquaintances. She was gifted at making others feel welcome and valued.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Helen’s family from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 at Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 24 at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling.
The Comeau family would appreciate a gift to Helen’s beloved Dana-Farber Cancer Institute instead of floral arrangements. http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/HelenComeau The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Rubinston and the Dana-Farber team for their compassionate treatment.
To Helen My Love, a love letter
We were together for over 50 years we became one,
Family was our roots, Ida joined our family for 22 years.
Life was good to us and gave us Jill
Teaching was more than your passion. Students knew your love
Believed in me and made me a success in business
We traveled the county and the world together
For relaxing Mysteries four a week, many crossword puzzles
Lots of fun were many many NYC Broadway shows
Friends was also a passion and very many you had
We were both human not perfect but loved our lives
All will miss you
But I miss you, my Love the most
Your lover
David
