Helen Elizabeth Cheshire of Mystic, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Bridebrook Health Center, just 3 days after her 76th Birthday.
She was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, to Anthony and Helen Bruno.
Survivors include her husband, Dee Cheshire, two daughters and five grandchildren: Daughter Diane Cheshire Nazarko and Matt Williams of Madison, CT, and Granddaughter’s Masha and Nadia Nazarko and their Dad, Thomas Nazarko; Daughter Tracy and Mike Fillion and Grandchildren Katie, Abby and Jack of Portland, Oregon.
Other survivors include her sister Barbara (Harold) Collins of South Carolina; her brother Tony (Gini) Bruno of North Carolina as well as many nieces, nephews, cherished Godchildren, dear cousins and best friend Maureen.
Her parents, brother Vincent (Carol) Bruno and baby sister Veronica predeceased her in death and will reunite in heaven.
Helen and Master Chief Petty Officer Dee C. Cheshire, USN, Retired were married in February 1962. They enjoyed life with their two daughters and socializing with friends. As Dee’s navy career advanced, she took on the role of being the “Chief of the Boat’s wife”. When the submarine was out to sea, 6 months of the year, she managed the other Navy wives who were sad, sick, lonely or overspent their money. This was part of the realities that military life entailed, along with raising her own children away from her family. The positive side is that strong bonds of lifelong friendships were formed. After Navy retirement, they worked together managing rental properties and a site construction business.
Before her illness, Helen took pleasure in her weekly trips to Sue Ellen’s hair salon in Groton, was an avid reader, tended to her flower gardens, and was a wizard with trivia and facts. Her family even encouraged her to try out for the show Jeopardy. She thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with politics, the Red Sox and reading The Day newspaper. In her earlier days, she volunteered at the local polling station, was on the PTA, coached softball, and was an assistant Brownie & Girl Scout leader. She also belonged to several bowling leagues earning many trophies for high point average. Many would be surprised to know, she was on the waterskiing team on Lake Winnipesauke.
The family would like to thank Bridebrook for the care that their mother received there for the past 3 months, Hospice of Norwich prior to that, SE CT VNA and her devoted homecare aids for the last 3 years.
She was lovely, beautiful and graceful until the end, she was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
If so desired, donations may be made to Hospice of Norwich or the SE CT VNA or charity of choice.
Helen’s family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, February 11, from 5 to 7pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 12, at 11:00am at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton. Burial will be private in the family plot in Massachusetts.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with her family, please click the link below.