Helen Masterson Bechard

Helen was preceded in death by: her husband Brad Bechard; her proud Scottish war bride mother Sheila (née Balfour); her brave World War II veteran father Francis; her siblings James and Sheila.

Countless people miss her, including: her brother Ian and his wife Jennifer, Noblesville, Indiana; her nieces Kate, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Amy Lurker and husband Drew, and their children Nora and Evan, Indianapolis; her sister-in-law Michelle Bechard (John Weber), Kensington, Maryland; her former sister-in-law Carmela Castro (Bill Reagan), North Gloucester, Maine; her sister-in-law Melgie and son James David, Philippines; her aunt Lesley Balfour (late Alan) in Edinburgh, Scotland; her many cousins in the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom; and her dog Fletcher.

Born in 1955, in Danbury, Connecticut, Helen nurtured close family ties, deep friendships near and far, and strong community links in her lifelong hometown of Danbury.

Holding degrees from University of Guelph, Canada, and Western Connecticut State University (WestConn), Helen’s dynamic career included her long-time role as WestConn’s Director of Alumni & University Events. There, she master-minded annual commencement ceremonies and almost every other event on campus, and taught university courses.

In earlier years, Helen contributed her significant skills at the Marian Anderson Award and the Charles Ives Center for the Arts.

An extremely talented actor, vocalist, theater director, stage manager, costume designer, and quilter, Helen used her considerable energy, leadership qualities and talents as a multiple-times president of the Mountain Laurel Quilters’ Guild and long-time member of the Danbury Cultural Commission.

When you think of Helen, remember how she loved you, inspired you, guided you – then share your strengths with others, as best you can. Helen’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jill Fernandez, Elizabeth Knapp, Jane Matson, and Tom Matson for their invaluable assistance.

“Be kind whenever possible; it is always possible.” ~ the Dalai Lama

All are invited to a Memorial Gathering on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT at IVES CONCERT HALL, 5th Ave, Danbury, CT 06810

For more info:

https://facebook.com/events/s/helen-masterson-bechard-memori/847582192788671/

Please join us for a formal time of celebrating Helen's life in the Ives Concert Hall followed by refreshments and an informal time of remembrance across the Quad at Higgins Hall.

RSVP at your earliest convenience so that we can keep track of numbers to make sure we can hold a safe event in light of Covid19.

For those unable to travel to Danbury there will be a live stream available to watch. We will post information on how to access the live stream closer to the event.

In lieu of flowers, please plan to make donations to a Western Connecticut State University Memorial Theatre & Music Scholarship in Helen’s name at https://www.gofundme.com/f/helen-masterson-bechard-memorial-scholarship or https://gofund.me/7b8e8c1a additional details about the scholarship will be communicated soon.

Tributes and condolences may be made at the Green Funeral Home Funeral Home website