Helena Marie Renaud

Mystic - Helena Marie (Walsh) Renaud, 96, a resident of Stoneridge in Mystic, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, following a brief illness. Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Thomas Walsh and Beatrice (Norton) Walsh, she was one of three daughters. Helena graduated from the University of Michigan. Helena and Edward were married Jan. 5, 1952, and spent 71 years together. When a business opportunity necessitated a move from New Jersey to Connecticut, Helena fell in love with an 1830s yellow Greek Revival farmhouse which then became their home and holds many fond memories of celebrations of all kinds.

Helena's long, rich life was punctuated by her devotion to her family and community. Even during her final weeks, she would talk in vivid detail about the people and certain events that were of great significance to her.

For ten years, she was the teacher and the director of The Montessori Children's House of Southbridge, Mass. She loved working with her students. Helena also held her pilot's license, something she earned even before she could drive a vehicle.

Helena was a loving mother and grandmother and known by her family and friends to be incredibly kind and thoughtful with a beautiful smile.

She is survived by her loving husband Edward; a sister Mary Hehl; her children, Anne Miller (Douglas), Susan Reardon (Michael), Michael Renaud (Michele), Stephen (Jane), Edward Renaud Jr., and Julie Davis (Mark); her seven grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Carlin, Brendan, Katherine, Kelly, Claire; and two great-grandchildren, Miles and Chloe.

She treasured her role as a mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. Helena's warmth, grace and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Simply stated, she made our world a better place, which is perhaps her ultimate legacy.

A funeral mass for Helena will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main St., Mystic. There are no calling hours. Her burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bridgeview Montessori School, a school where Helena's daughter Julie has followed in her mother's footsteps, dedicating her professional life to serving children. You may donate by visiting the school's website using the link or by mailing your donation using the address (https://www.bridgeviewmontessori.org/helena-marie-renaud) Bridgeview Montessori School, P.O. Box 270, Sagamore, MA 02561.