Helen P. Maillet

Helen P. (Dupre) Maillet, 88, of Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, October 29, 2023, after a valiant struggle with dementia.

Born in Gardner on February 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Evelyn (Brideau) Dupre. She graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1952.

Helen lost her hand in a car accident at a young age and in spite of her disability she was an accomplished typist and secretary employed by Custom & Modern Manufacturing of Gardner for 15 years before her retirement in 1972.  She never let this get her down and was very independent.

Helen was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at its Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. She loved volunteering and during her time at the parish and many years after, Helen worked at the annual church bazaar, always at the bakery or candy tables, and serving food at its weekly BINGO. She also helped in the kitchen at GarWest where she lived for many years.  In her downtime, she enjoyed keeping a tidy and lovely apartment, eating her favorite Hershey chocolate kisses (anything chocolate being a lifelong passion), socializing with others, watching her favorite TV programs with her husband and most importantly, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Helen loved and was extremely proud of all of them, treasuring all the special moments they had together.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Joseph Albert Maillet of Gardner; her daughter, Karen M. Specht and her husband Brian of Princeton; three grandchildren, Shannon, Kevin, and Madeleine Specht; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Rita Mazejka, and two brothers, Raymond and Roland Dupre.

Her family will miss her dearly, especially her kindness, sense of humor, and willingness to always listen to our hopes and dreams.

Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.