Helen Babineau
She Wore Many Hats Throughout Her Life But Her Most Important Role Was as a Mother
Helen Babineau of Winthrop, formerly of Hanover, MA, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at the age of 89 peacefully at home with her family by her side.
Born in Quincy on April 17, 1934 to the late Arthur and Helen (Flynn) LaFon, Helen was predeceased by her loving husband, G. Ronald Babineau, her cherished daughter, Mary Ryan and her sister, Joanne Anzalone. She is survived by her sister, Maureen Keefe of S. Yarmouth.
Helen was the devoted mother of Patrice Babineau and her partner, Georg Purvis of Lincoln, RI; Catherine Cobb and her husband, Steve, of Salem, MA; and Matthew Babineau of Westerly, RI. She was the proud grandmother of six: Hannah Belcher and her partner, Kory Silck and Abigail Belcher, all of Winthrop; Justin, Adam, Jonathan and Bailey Michaud, all of Michigan. Her love will continue to shine through her great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
Throughout her life, Helen wore many hats, whether as an insurance agent, or her work with children with special needs at St. Coletta Day School.
Her most important role, however, was as a mother. Helen never missed a field hockey, softball or basketball game (where she could always be relied on to bring the orange slices.) She tirelessly supported her entire family in all their endeavors.
Helen was a lifelong and devoted Red Sox fan, although she was not afraid to criticize them when warranted. She had an insatiable love for reading and good martinis. Helen was a formidable opponent in card games and Scrabble, where her superpower was always the two-letter words that kept her on top of any game. She had a fondness for traveling, with Cape Cod being a special place to her. Helen had a flair for fashion and always portrayed a sense of beauty and strength. She adored her cat, Georgie Girl, who never left her side and brought her consistent companionship and joy.
It is a comfort to know how many lives Helen touched through her relationships with her family and friends. Many who spent time with her were lucky enough to know her sharp wit, sassy spirit and her giving heart. She was always willing to help others before herself, often listening yet never judging and always without hesitation. Helen was never a person to ask for help and often her response would be “I’m fine.†We now know she’s truly at peace and is in fact, just “fine.â€
In lieu of flowers please feel free to send a donation in memory of Helen to Cape Ann Animal Aid online at CapeAnnAnimalAid.org/donate or by calling (978) 283-6055
Services to be held at a later date.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.
Frederico DeSantis
He Was the Definition of the “American Dream”
Frederico DeSantis of Winthrop passed away at home on May 22 after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 84 years old.
He was the definition of the “American Dreamâ€, coming to America in the 1970’s with nothing and created a beautiful life. He lived in East Boston before moving to Winthrop in 1982, where he has lived since with his family.
He worked at Boston Logan Airport for over 50 years and it was his second home. If he wasn’t working, he was always seen fixing something or gardening. He had a love of life, despite his hardships, and always was smiling and laughing and could make friends with anyone. He loved his grandchildren so much and had a love for Italian Opera, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.
The son of the late Fausto DeSantis and Giovanna (Veloccia) of Alatri, Italy, he was the beloved husband of the late Antonia (Capodanno) of Mirabella, Italy who passed away in 1995; loving father of Barbara Richardson and her husband, Charlie of Severn, MD and Daniela DeSantis and her husband, Keith Rivera of Winthrop; cherished grandfather of Joshua Richardson, Stephany Richardson, Giovanna Rivera and Jacobe Rivera.
Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop today, Thursday, May 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with the interment in the Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody.
Memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund at www.dana-farber.org.
For directions or to sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.