Helene Y. Goudreau

Born in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Chouinard and his wife, the late Germaine (Dupuis) Chouinard, formerly of Somerville, MA. Both her parents had previously emigrated from Quebec to the United States and were naturalized American citizens.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Richard Antoine Goudreau, Sr., son of the late Edward Goudreau and his wife, the late Imelda (Fournier) Goudreau, formerly of Seekonk, MA.

As a teenager, Helene took her first job working in the tobacco fields of the Connecticut River Valley. She later worked as an administrative assistant in the Boston area before marrying in 1960. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her roles as a devoted homemaker and mother. Alongside her husband, they became landlords, providing housing to many through their management of residential rental properties for decades.

In the late 1970s, Helene's entrepreneurial spirit led her to open The Book Shed, a retail bookstore in Seekonk, MA. A passionate reader, especially of romance novels, Helene was rarely seen without a book nearby. Her love for family history and heritage shone through her decades-long involvement with the American-French Genealogical Society, where she meticulously traced the Goudreau and Chouinard family histories back to the 1600s through countless hours of research.

Helene's generosity was a defining part of her life. She offered unwavering end-of-life care, financial support, and emotional comfort to numerous family members and friends. Known for her deep love of family, country, and Dunkin' Donuts, Helene was a devout Catholic whose strong faith was central to her life.

She was an exceptional cook, and holidays in her home were celebrated with special meals, music, decorations, and laughter. In her later years, as illness kept her homebound, she found joy in watching Jeopardy, Judge Judy, football, home improvement shows, and action movies. Her conversations were endless and full of warmth, as she delighted in hearing the latest news from her visitors. She was surrounded by loving family when she passed and will be deeply missed.

Helene is survived by four children, Richard Antoine Jr. and his wife Donna (Bessette) of Summerville, SC, Stephen Paul and his wife Ellen (Kaplan) of Blackstone, MA, Brian Normand of Irondequoit, NY, and Joyce Dorothy Humes and her husband Joel Humes of Swansea, MA; one brother, Paul Chouinard; seven grandchildren, Joshua Hetzel, Abby (Hetzel) Tennaro, Richard Goudreau III, Benjamin Goudreau, Andrew Goudreau, Samuel Humes, and Kellie Humes; nine great-grandchildren, Jaylynne Thomas, Lilly Hetzel, Jenna Thomas, David Hetzel, Haley Hetzel, Theodore Goudreau, Miles Goudreau, Autumn Goudreau, and Linus Goudreau.

Helene was preceded in death by two siblings, Jacqueline (Chouinard) DeAngelis of Rehoboth, MA, and Arthur Chouinard of Somerville, MA.

All Funeral Services are private.