Helene M. Gingras

Helene M. Gingras 92, of Bedford, died peacefully at home after a brief illness, February 9, 2021.

Born in Manchester on March 6, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Ulric and Diana (Goyette) Fortin. She graduated from St. Anthony High School and was named class Valedictorian.

Helene began her career working in the finance department at Cote Brothers Bakery until the company closed their doors. She continued to work in finance at Centronics, in Hudson, for a few years until a corporate restructure. Helene spent the rest of her career working in finance, for many years, at the Elliot Hospital.

It was at Cote Brothers Bakery where she met the love of her life, Armand Gingras. They were married for 71 years. Together, they traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as the Caribbean and Europe. Helene was the "rock" of her family and extended family. Whenever there was someone in need, she was there to help. She was kind, generous, intelligent, and quick witted.

Helene and Armand spent the last year and a half living with their son Frank, in Bedford. Even at their advanced age, Armand was still driving and they continued their regimen of going out to breakfast every day, until one day, Helene fell and fractured her hip. She had a successful surgery and was assigned to Villa Crest for rehabilitation, where she received excellent care. Of course, the current pandemic made visitation impossible. It was very difficult for them to be separated for the first time in 71years. During Helene's stay in rehabilitation, Armand passed away. Three weeks later, Helene was discharged and came home to Home Hospice, with her son Frank. One month later she died.

Even though Helene and Armand never contracted Covid 19, the entire family fell victims of this pandemic. Of course, there is a medical reason for their passing, but it is

truly believable that they both died of broken hearts.



Helene is survived by a son, Francis G. Gingras of Bedford; a sister-in-law, Frances (Gingras) Potvin; and 15 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, P. Andre Fortin; three sisters Jeanne (Fortin) Carbonneau, Yvette Fortin, and Beatrice Fortin; a daughter-in- law, Darlene Gingras; and a nephew, Richard Potvin.

Special thank you to Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern New Hampshire, and Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services.

There are no services. Helene will be encrypted in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum, with her beloved husband Armand, "Together Again". In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: NH Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Dr. Manchester, NH 03109 or Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110. To leave a message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.