Helen (LaFon) Babineau

Helen Babineau of Winthrop, MA, 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, MA 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, 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 that 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.”

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

There will be a Memorial Mass & Celebration of Life for Helen at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Winthrop on July 30th at 12:00pm, with a reception to follow at the Winthrop Arms at 130 Grovers Ave., Winthrop from 1-4. Valet will be available at the reception.

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