Helen R. Joncas

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, a daughter of the late Carmen and Earnestine (Biano) Cicco, she spent her youth in Niagara Falls. She met the love of her life at a USO dance. Helen married Phil and followed him overseas to Germany and Austria where she made many friends. Once Phil’s tour of duty in Korea was completed, they returned to Niagara Falls to start a family. They settled in Fall River in 1960.

A graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Class of 1953, she worked at W.T. Grants Department Store while living in New York. Upon relocating to Fall River, she worked as a secretary at Ashworth Brothers Incorporated and eventually became a bookkeeper for the company. She remained at the company for 30 years prior to retiring in 1995 to care for her grandchildren whom she adored.

Helen’s grandchildren were the light of her life. She found great joy in spending time with them. They could count on her to make their favorite lunch, chicken nuggets and angel hair pasta with butter. Helen was blessed to find her soul mate when she met Phil. They shared great adventures together, skiing, boating, traveling and raising their son, Phil.

An avid bowler, she belonged to the A.M.F. Somerset League. She enjoyed reading, music and playing cards. She played pitch in a card league on Tuesday nights at the Knights of Columbus for many years. Helen also was very fond of animals. She supported many rescue organizations. Along with her own pets, she fostered strays and abandoned animals.

She is survived by one son, Philp A. Joncas and his wife Mary M. Midura of Assonet; two grandchildren, Philip and Maya Joncas; twin brothers, Anthony Cicco and his wife Mary and Arnold Cicco a; sister-in-law; Aggie Cicco all of NY and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Frances Holiday, Joseph, Carmen, Robert Cicco and sister-in-law, Jackie.

Her Funeral will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 9:00AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main St., Fall River. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Contributions in her honor may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, act.alz.org. Burial in Newport Memorial Park.