Obituary of Anne Marie Helin

Anne Marie (DeCosta) Helin, 78, beloved wife of Victor M. Helin for 54 years and “Mum” to her sons, died unexpectedly on July 18, 2021 from natural causes.  Anne was born in Fitchburg, MA to the late Joseph and Mary (Cotton) DeCosta, graduating from St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg, MA in 1961.  Anne retired from Saint James School (Manchester, CT) after many years of service.

More than anything, Anne enjoyed spending time with her family, and being one of the most spirited spectators at the thousands of baseball, soccer, basketball games and dance recitals she enthusiastically attended.  She was also an avid Red Sox and UConn fan, and enjoyed reading to her beloved first graders.  

Anne was a two-time, 15+ year cancer survivor.  When faced with a dire Multiple Myeloma diagnosis, she had a simple response:  I have my faith and family, the rest will take care of itself.  And, with help from friends and staff at St. Francis Hospital and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) that is exactly what happened – she beat it.

In addition to her husband Victor, she is survived by her sons, Christopher Helin and his wife Stacey of Manchester, CT, Michael Helin and his wife Kristen of Ellington, CT, and John Helin and his girlfriend Erin Winker of South Windsor, CT.  She also leaves behind four granddaughters, Stephanie, Christina, Mikayla and Isabella Helin; her brother, Edward (Dorothy) DeCosta, sister, Kathleen DeCosta, niece Lori DeCosta and nephew Anthony DeCosta. She is predeceased by her beloved son, Matthew Helin, who passed away in 1992.

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, July 22nd from 4pm to 8pm at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT.  A Funeral Mass service will be held on Friday, July 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Church, 896 Main St. followed by burial in East Cemetery in Manchester, CT.  For online condolences please visit www.TierneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Anne’s name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at www.give.themmrf.org.