Helen M. Anctil

HUBBARDSTON - Helen M. Anctil, 87, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in Upton on December 8, 1937, she was the daughter of Hector and Mary (Rockett) Henchey.

Helen was the beloved wife of the late Ronald E. Anctil, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage before his passing in 2002. She leaves her daughter, Patricia A. Broullon of Rochdale; her sister, Susan A. (Henchey) Soden and husband, Paul, of Leicester; and her sister-in-law, Ellen Memmelaar and husband, John, of New Jersey. “Maggie” will be dearly missed by her four grandchildren, Cindy, Billy, Michelle and Matt, and 13 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, who will fondly remember their “Auntie Puff.”

In addition to her husband, Ron, Helen was predeceased by her son-in-law, Manuel Broullon, and her brother, William A. Henchey.

Helen began her career with New England Bell in Worcester before moving to New Jersey, where she and Ron built a beautiful life together. Helen’s professional path led her to New York City where she proudly served as Chief Operator at Vanity Fair Mills. After more than 45 years of dedicated work, Helen retired, and she and Ron settled in Hubbardston where she became an active and devoted communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Rutland. A faithful member of church choirs for over 50 years, Helen’s alto harmonies were shared most recently with St. Patrick's Church Choir and the Greater Gardner Community Choir. She also generously gave her time as a volunteer at the Rutland Food Pantry, sharing her kindness and witty humor with everyone she met.

Helen found joy in life’s simple pleasures—crafting ceramics, golfing, crocheting, solving crossword puzzles, and the occasional trip to the casino. Above all, her greatest happiness came from time spent with family and friends, and from her deep love and appreciation for animals of all kinds, from beloved pets to the deer, birds, and other woodland creatures who made themselves at home in Helen’s care.

Helen’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many kind and compassionate members of the 3 East care team at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus. Your wisdom, gentle humor and thoughtful support brought comfort and dignity to Helen’s final days, and her family is forever grateful.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St. in Holden, Ma. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St., Rutland, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to ASPCA or the Rutland Food Pantry, 258 Main St., Rutland, MA.