Helena N. (Bessette) Brousseau

On the evening of May 20, 2022, Helena N. (Bessette) Brousseau passed away peacefully in her home in Little Compton, RI at the spirited age of 103.

Helena was born on March 20, 1919, in Pawtucket, RI to the late Edouard and Noelia Bessette.

In 1939, she married her belated love, Leo J. Brousseau, and moved to Little Compton, where they built their home and began their family with the birth of their son, J. Edward Brousseau. As they grew older together, she enjoyed traveling with Leo, playing tennis, painting, whittling, and spending winters in Naples, FL.

Although petite in stature, Helena exuded great strength and compassion. She was a devoted and active member of the Parish, never hesitating to offer help to others. In addition to her faith and family, it was the simplest pleasures in life that brought great joy to Helena—the ocean, her gardens, long (and short) walks, reading in her sunroom, sweet treats, playing card games, and surrounding herself in good company. At the age of 103, she was the oldest town resident, and a true blessing to have had in our lives all these years.

Helena leaves behind three grandchildren, John Brousseau (wife Joyce), Jeanette Brousseau, and Alyssa Brousseau; two great grandchildren, Patricia Brousseau and Holli Molzon (husband Paul H. Molzon); two great, great grandchildren, Adler Henry and Leona Mae; three nieces, Rose McHale, Elaine Abney, and Jeanine Jeffers; and two nephews, Normand Bessette and Bobby Merlan—as well as countless cherished friends. In Helena’s own words, “All made my life a happy one”. In addition to her husband Leo, Helena was also predeceased by her son, J Edward Brousseau and siblings Anita, Conrad and Edmond.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to every nurse, caregiver, and dear friend who provided such loving care and companionship to help make her final years so comfortable and memorable.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 3rd, 10AM, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 74 Simmons Road, Little Compton, immediately followed by interment at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, South of Commons Road, Little Compton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor (Pawtucket, RI): www.LittleSistersofthePoor.org/donate

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