Helen M.

Connell

Helen M. (Meehan) Connell, 99, of South Deerfield, formerly of Florence, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

A woman of great faith and lifelong member of Annunciation Chapel, Helen lived a life centered on love, family, and caring for others. Being a mother and grandmother meant the world to her, and she treasured every opportunity to care for her grandchildren. Her compassion extended across generations to include the many years she cared for her own mother.

Above all, Helen cherished spending time with the people she loved, and her home was the heart of her family. Beyond her famous Sunday dinners, where everyone gathered for delicious food, warmth, and plenty of laughter, Helen loved hosting family celebrations, and her door was always open for anyone, especially her brothers and lifelong friends, to share a cup of coffee and freshly baked treat.

A member of the Red Hat Society, Helen enjoyed traveling on bus trips, gambling at the casino, and trying her luck with scratch tickets. She loved playing Candy Crush, Rummikub, and other games late into the night with Katelyn, her little angel, and nothing made her happier than playing poker and rummy with her family, with games that could start at noon and last well into the night.

Helen will be remembered most for her loving heart, her enduring faith, and her devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren whom she loved so dearly. The traditions she created, and the memories shared around her table will remain with all fortunate enough to know her.

Helen will be greatly missed by her four remaining children, John Connell and his wife Michelle of Chicopee, Karen Laurin and her husband Dave of Williamsburg, Eileen Szczepanski and her husband Phil of South Deerfield and Vicky Applebee of Holyoke and her partner Bill. She will also be missed by her grandchildren David, Daniel, Kathryn, Jessica, Matthew, Katelyn, Michael, Nick, Sarah, and Tyler, 17 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was predeceased by her husband John Connell and her son Ed Connell, as well as her parents Katherine and James Meehan, brothers Frank, George, Russell, James, sister Esther, and two great grandchildren

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday November 19, 2026 at 11:00A.M at Annunciation Chapel in Florence. Please go directly to the church, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.