Helene G. Hill

Helene Georgia Hill (née Bigwood), 91, of Winchendon, Massachusetts, passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 24, 2025.

Born on March 29, 1934, to parents Hazel P. (née Thompson) and Ralph W. Bigwood, she was a lifelong resident of Winchendon.

Helene had a love for life's simple pleasures and tradition. She delighted in baking for her family and friends, completing crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite TV shows - Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. She especially enjoyed vacationing in York, Maine, a place filled with many happy memories. Earlier in life, she had a knack for braiding rugs and sewing. She also had a fondness for beautiful and meaningful things, including handmade ceramic and glass pieces adorned with blueberries or hummingbirds, a treasured collection of brooches, and true to her New England roots, a wardrobe of cozy sweaters.

She is survived by her children: John J. Hill Jr., James G. Hill and Jeannie A. Ladeau; her son-in-law, Kirk Ladeau; her grandchildren: Timothy S. Lafortune and Benjamin R. Lafortune (children of Diane J. Lafortune); Alexander N. Hill and Connie E. Hill (children of John J. Hill Jr.); John Nicholas. Hill (child of James G. Hill); Jordan M. Gendron and Chloe A. Gendron (children of Jeannie A. Ladeau); seven great-grandchildren, her brother James B. Bigwood; long time companion and friend, Robert Richard; as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Helene was predeceased by her beloved husband, John J. Hill Sr. in 1997; by her daughter, Diane J. Lafortune earlier this year; by her grandson Joseph D. Gendron Jr. in 2024; and by her sister, Lynn S. Beauvais in 2004, and her brother, Donald G. Bigwood in 2022. .

Helene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of family, and joy she found in her everyday life. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Riverside Cemetery, Glenallen Steet, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Helene's name to The Arthritis Foundation's Juvenile Arthritis Program, PO Box 96280, Washington DC 20077 or on their website at (www.arthritis.org). These funds go to research, support services, camps, and community programs for kids and families affected by juvenile arthritis.