Helen (Johnson) Noel

ATHOL- It is with the great sadness that the family of Helen (Johnson) Noel announced her passing on 23 February 2023 at the age of 90. 

Helen passed away peacefully at the Quabbin Valley HealthCare where she had resided for several years. 

Helen was born on April 3, 1932, to the late Edward and Ida Johnson in Orange, MA.  She grew up in the Orange area attending local schools and graduating from the Orange High School in 1950.  After graduation Helen was employed by the LS Starrett company as a secretary.  During a blood drive, hosted by Starretts, she met the love of her life, William (Bill) whom she married at St Mary’s Parish on April 11, 1959, and they enjoyed 63 years together until Bill’s passing on June 1, 2022. 

Bill and Helen originally lived in Athol and started their family of four children: Nancy, Mark, Timothy and April.  In December 1971 the entire family moved to Wendell so the family could grow up in a more country setting.

Many of Wendell’s residents will remember seeing Helen on her walks around town which averaged 4-6 miles daily.  Besides loving to walk, her hobbies included reading, word searches and crossword puzzles.  Helen also had a soft spot in her heart for the many strays that found their way to her doorstep.  Helen and Bill were famous for driving to the local gas stations to share a cup of coffee and a donut.

After her 4 children were grown up and on their own, Helen decided to return to work as a home care aide taking care of the needs of the elderly for several years.  Although she enjoyed her work as an aide, Helen was very much a homebody and loved taking care of her home and family.  Her biggest joy was spending time with her grandchildren where she was affectionately known as Meme.

According to the grandchildren, Meme was quite the card shark.  Her card skills at UNO, Crazy 8s and Memory always impressed her grandchildren. Rumor has it, after hours of playing cards, Meme made the best grilled cheese sandwiches.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Ida, and her beloved husband Bill. 

Helen is survived by her children Nancy and her husband Edward Pompa, Mark Noel and wife Tanya, April and her husband Patrick Kelly, and Timothy Noel; her grandchildren Jeffery Pompa and his wife Lizzi and great-granddaughter Eleanor Pompa; Timothy Pompa and Elizabeth Pompa; Sean Kelly and his wife Cheree; Scott Kelly and his girlfriend Mackenzie Hallman; Nathan Noel and his girlfriend Sarah Lee.

Helen was survived by her sister Barbara LaFortune and sister-in-law Betty Labrie and many nieces and nephews.

“Mom and Dad, we hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain.  To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.”  Author: Unknown.

We would like to thank the entire staff at Quabbin Valley HealthCare and The Care Team Hospice for their loving care that they provided our mother.  They even took care of Bill (our father) during his daily visits. 

A calling hour will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 9:30- 10:45 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 2nd  at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange, with Fr. Shaun officiating.

Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.

In lieu of flowers donations to the many animal rescues of the Athol-Orange would be appreciated.  

Witty’s Funeral Home. 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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