Helen Isabelle Steven

Helen Isabelle Steven, age 72, a longtime resident of Simsbury, CT, formerly of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at Benchmark at Billerica Crossings on November 5, 2025 surrounded by her loving daughters after a courageous battle with complications arising from a brain aneurysm suffered in 2005.
Helen was born in Lowell on April 11, 1953, and was the daughter of the late Andrew Steven and Marilyn (Farmer) Parlee. She was raised in Chelmsford where she graduated as valedictorian from Chelmsford High School before earning her BA from the University of Vermont and her MBA from the University of Michigan. She also spent time studying in Nice and Paris and was fluent in French.
After completing her education, Helen held positions across both accounting and IT at several organizations, including Harvard Community Health Plan and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She was incredibly intelligent and driven, going on to establish her own independent consulting practice in Simsbury. After a traumatic brain injury in 2005, she pivoted her career, taking great joy in serving schoolchildren lunch at the local elementary schools for nearly 15 years.
Outside of work, her life was large and full of adventure. In her twenties she participated in and led bike tours through Europe, riding from Yugoslavia to France over several summers in the late 70s. She was also an avid skier and hiker and stayed involved with the Boston chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Her love of travel continued into her later years and spanned continents, traveling with her family to Australia, the Scottish Highlands, and the Grand Canyon. When she wasn't out on an adventure, she was doting on her daughters, spending time with family and friends, cooking, playing music, or doing anything outdoors, namely walking one of her beloved black labs.
Helen had a big heart and was dedicated to giving back to her community. She spent afternoons delivering food to those in need, spending quality time with the elderly, or bringing her black lab Bo to retirement communities for canine therapy visits. She also enjoyed being involved in church communities and was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bedford, and St. Alban's Episcopal Church and the First Church of Christ in Simsbury.
Helen miraculously survived a ruptured brain aneurysm while at work in 2005. Following a long recovery period, she was able to resume many of the activities she loved. Though her traumatic brain injury had a major impact upon her life, Helen never allowed herself to be defined by it. She demonstrated unwavering courage, strength, and positivity in the face of health challenges, continuing to show up for her family every day. Everyone who encountered her left with a smile on their face. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and kindness.
During Helen's final three years living at Benchmark at Billerica Crossings she was lovingly cared for by a team of devoted caregivers, who surrounded her with kindness and laughter. Her family will forever be grateful for the team's love for and treatment of Helen, which brought her tremendous peace and joy.
Helen is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Brown) Fry and her husband Adam of Sleepy Hollow, NY and Rebecca Brown of San Diego, CA; her former husband Richard Brown of Bloomfield, CT; her brother Henry Parlee of Chelmsford; her grandson James; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A private burial service will be held for Helen in the coming weeks. The family is currently making plans for a Celebration of Life on Saturday April 11, 2026. Further details will be shared soon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's memory to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (https://www.bafound.org/donate/give-now/).