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Welcome to the memorial page for

Helen J. Loiacono

October 11, 1960 ~ September 12, 2016 (age 55) 55 Years Old
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Message from Geoff & Hilary Wilson
November 2, 2016 7:59 PM

What a terrible shock. Thirty two years ago, when I (Geoff) first came to America, Helen and I were on the same team for my very first project at Raytheon. She was both a joy to work with, and, at the same time, she was so motivated - I distinctly remember at least one all-nighter that she willingly worked just to keep the project where it needed to be.

Helen was one of our first friends in the U.S. We have such fond memories of our get togethers - always accompanied by Helen's cookies and a tremendous amount of laughter. Every 4th July, we still remember and laugh about the 4th July when the Revolutionary War was refought......by Trivial Pursuit!

Helen was a terrific person. We were so sorry to hear the news. Our condolences to Charlene and to all of Helen's family.
Message from Jeannie and Nick
September 25, 2016 7:31 PM

Helen and Char,

I just can't imagine a life with one of you and not the other - each of you a part of who I am - my family in Marlborough MA! I have been slow to express myself here, because I have been focused on giving support to our dear friend Char, while searching for a way to honor you, Helen, my friend of 36 years.
I met you so long ago, I actually forgot that you had a life before me - until I saw the posted photos. It is humbling to realize how each of us can share a life with you, and still, it is not all of you.

We were girls when we met at Oswego State, barely out of High School - in a class dominated by males. I think that we (You, Me, Karen, Renee) made up two thirds of the females in the group! We became fast friends, and then by senior year we shared an apartment together with Karen (an actual house!) on 7th Ave, a block from Lil's Tavern. (Good old Lil!) Mostly we went there to break up the monotony of those endless reams of nonsense - Foosball being so much more fun!
I was always the "runt" in the group when it came to computers and Math, but you never looked down on me or gave up on me - teaching me what you could with the patience of a saint. When I look at the photo of the three of us at graduation, I always chuckle. I call it the "3 Amigos" - Suma Cum, Magna Cum, and just Cum! in all our glory.

I never thought that spring that we'd be back together as roommates a year later- you at Raytheon (still around), me at Softech (long defunct). It still amuses me (at the time it was frustrating) how we went car shopping together, ordered the same Corollas, and yet YOU got yours first! (I did love my little red guy when it finally arrived!) Within a week of moving in with you, you did something that would change my life forever. You took me along with you to a party for a couple of guys at Raytheon, and BOOM! I met Nick(one of those two guys!) and well, you know the rest!

Fate brought us together all those years ago, but love is what made us a family. You and Me / You, Me, and Nick / You and Char / Me and Nick / You and Char, Me and Nick. Together for 33 years - laughing, kvetching, singing, dancing, playing Santa, toasting in the New Years, sharing birthdays (What do you mean YOURS is in October?), craft fairs, chowder fests, Bertucci dinners, "coffee" clutches, stories, jokes, board games (how you and Nick always beat me and Char is still fishy to me!) - even politics was not taboo.

We have lived only 5 minutes apart and didn't see each other nearly enough, but that's ok, because when we did, it was the best! And when we didn't, it always helped to know we could. Anytime, Anywhere, all we had to do was ask. That's just the way it was and will always be.

So To you Helen, I say:
Thank you. Thank you for your love. For your time. For our friends (Char, Nick).
My life is full from your kinship. My home is bright with your gifts and talents.
My memories of you are sown inside my soul.

My Personal Blessing for you Helen:

Please don't fret too much my friend. I know it was not easy,
for you to say goodbye. I wish it were not true,
that you have passed away. I know it is for some good reason,
though it is none that I can know today.

I wish for you the peace that comes
from the colors in the sky, the wind and light
that holds you now,
There is no need to cry.
For you have left your heart with us
to hold and share each day,
Forever will we be with you
Your great big family!

And To you Char, I say:
I have no idea how we will do this, but do this together we will.
Day by day, side by side
we will crawl into the future.

Love to you both always,
Jeannie and Nick
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A candle was lit by Drew on September 22, 2016 12:14 PM
Message from Karen Nyenhuis
September 19, 2016 11:05 PM

I can't believe she's gone. I'll always remember her best for her great story telling and witty dry humor. And I'll cherish the memories of late nights poring over pages upon pages of computer print outs and drinks at Lill's Tavern. You will be greatly missed.
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A candle was lit by Kyle Pembrook on September 19, 2016 7:13 PM
Message from Fred and Brita
September 19, 2016 4:17 PM

I can't believe Helen is gone. My head is ringing. She was always such a great friend.

I still remember my first day at Raytheon, fresh out of college, when she welcomed me to join her lunch table and do the daily crossword puzzle. I knew then that everything was going to be okay. I'd already made a friend in this new company and new city. We continued that tradition with Geoff, Jean, and others for years.

Helen baked cakes for every birthday in our department. So, when it was her birthday, we were at loss for what to do. No one could bake a cake to match Helen's! So, instead, we frosted an upside-down cake pan and put it over a big stash of candy.

Even now, over 30 years, 2 cities and many jobs later, I always get an email from Helen and Charlene every year on Brita and Helen's shared birthday.

Helen, you were truly loved, and will always be missed...

--Fred and Brita
Message from Charlene
September 22, 2016 1:58 AM

Thank you, Fred, for such beautiful words and wonderful memories ... she cherished those memories too.
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A candle was lit by Fred and Brita on September 19, 2016 4:02 PM
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A candle was lit by Bob Jackson on September 19, 2016 1:24 PM
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A candle was lit by Pratik K Modi on September 19, 2016 3:14 AM
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A candle was lit by Evangelia Petropoulos on September 18, 2016 9:12 PM
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A candle was lit by Christine Johnson on September 18, 2016 1:46 AM
Message from Stephanie Ross
September 17, 2016 8:33 PM

No one was ever more kind or supportive than Helen. We were friends from elementary through high school. I remember pajama parties and lots of classes together. I’m so sorry to hear about her passing and also sorry that we lost touch.
Message from Charlene
September 18, 2016 10:00 AM

Helen cherished her childhood memories with her friends. Thank you for being a part of those memories that put a smile on her face and that she held so dear.
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A candle was lit by Marlene Corron on September 17, 2016 7:43 PM
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A candle was lit by William H Corron "Bill" on September 17, 2016 7:42 PM
Message from Deb (Cole) Thompson
September 17, 2016 4:01 PM

Helen and I were in many of the same classes from Elementary school at Cicero Elementary through Cicero High School. When I think about my school years, Helen is right there and is remembered fondly! I am so sorry to hear of her passing!
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A candle was lit by Theresa Loiacono & Chris Galaska on September 16, 2016 6:19 PM
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A candle was lit by Janet Crowley on September 16, 2016 5:56 PM
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A candle was lit by Maria Bontempo on September 16, 2016 5:29 PM
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A candle was lit by Nicole Anfuso on September 16, 2016 1:58 PM
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A candle was lit by Jane Loiacono on September 16, 2016 3:41 AM
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A candle was lit by Wren and Stella on September 15, 2016 7:23 PM
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A candle was lit by Lois Chatterson on September 15, 2016 6:33 PM
Message from Pam Fortino
September 15, 2016 5:34 PM

I went to high school with Helen and lost touch as we went off into the adult world to find our own way. I remember her laugh, kindness and ability to connect with others. May your memories of her help bring solace as you grieve. She will be missed, may her gentle soul find peace.
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A candle was lit by Kathy Kirkland on September 15, 2016 5:15 PM
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A candle was lit by Stephanie Ross on September 15, 2016 4:49 PM
Message from Kunyu
September 14, 2016 5:57 PM

I am in deeply sorrow and still can not believe Helen really left us. Helen, I really miss you, you know me so well and understand my Znglish that others have trouble with. You have been working so hard and now you can rest in peace. I wish you are happy up there in heaven.
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A candle was lit by Kunyu on September 14, 2016 5:49 PM
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A candle was lit by Kunyu on September 14, 2016 5:48 PM
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A candle was lit by Holly Richmond on September 14, 2016 3:17 PM
Message from Charlene
September 14, 2016 2:06 PM

Please light the way so that the people that loved and cared for you are hurting less and loving more.
Message from Charlene
September 14, 2016 2:03 PM

Rest, My Sweet Girl. There is no more pain. There are no more tears. Evil can not hurt you anymore. God will protect you where I could not. I miss you, I will forever love you. I will forever be, Your Kindred Spirit.
Message from Karen Herrick jones
September 14, 2016 11:46 AM

With shock, sadness and empathy I express my sympathy over Helen's passing. We were childhood friends since we were young children and although our paths diverged , I never forgot about her. She was my first childhood friend never to be forgotten.
Message from Charlene
September 14, 2016 3:12 PM

Helen spoke fondly and often about your shared childhood experiences. When you use to play house and you'd also go skating on the ice that formed in the winter between your two houses. Thank you for giving her those cherished childhood memories and thank you for being a special part of her life. She never forgot you either.
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A candle was lit by Your Kindred Spirit on September 14, 2016 11:16 AM
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