Mrs. Helen Mary (Corkum) Surprenant

July 3, 1931 - December 1, 2010

Helen M. Surprenant Loving Wife, Mother, and Grandmother LOWELL—Helen Mary (Corkum) Surprenant, the beloved wife of Henry R. Surprenant, a resident of South Lowell, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at the Westford House Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79 years old. Helen was born in Billerica on July 3, 1931, daughter of the late Vernon and Eva (Smith) Corkum. She attended school in Billerica and was a graduate of Howe High School. Helen married Henry R. Surprenant on December 31, 1950, and together celebrated almost 60 years of marriage and raised three beautiful daughters. In her early years Helen worked at Zayre’s Department Store in Lowell. For many years she was the parish administrator at Ste. Marie’s Church in South Lowell. Helen and Henry were very active parishioners at Ste. Marie’s. Helen served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, C.C.D. teacher, and a willing volunteer for all other parish events. She was also a member of the Cribbage League at Ste. Marie’s. Helen was a very strong, independent person. Some of her pastimes included playing the piano, music, knitting and crocheting, and birdwatching in her backyard. She loved cooking and baking all the time. Helen also enjoyed going “up country” with her friends. Most of all, Helen loved being a grandmother. She was the grandmother with the full cookie jar and the chocolate kisses. Helen enjoyed spending time with her family and her many friends. Surviving Helen besides her husband Henry are her daughters, Lynne Marie Wilcox of Lowell and Sandra Marie Burke and her husband Edward of North Reading; seven grandchildren, Kerry Ann McIntosh, Lisa Jean Wilcox, James Bradley Wilcox and his fiancé Teresa Craft, Sean Edward Burke, Kevin James Burke, Scott Henry Burke, and Morgan Elizabeth Burke; two great grandchildren, Allison Jane McIntosh and Andrew Jay McIntosh; a brother-in-law, Walter Surprenant; two sisters-in-law, Jean Corkum and Lucille Surprenant. Helen was the mother of the late Donna Marie Hughes who died in 2007, and sister of the late Robert Corkum. Helen is also survived by her daughter Donna’s companion, Roger Geoffroy of Lowell. Helen leaves many, many dear friends, including her faithful friend Max. SURPRENANT— In Westford, December 1, 2010. Helen M. (Corkum) Surprenant, 79, beloved wife of Henry R. Surprenant, a resident of South Lowell. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on FRIDAY DEC. 3 from 4 until 8 P.M. Helen’s Funeral will begin on SATURDAY MORNING at 9 o’clock from the Funeral Home, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 o’clock at HOLY FAMILY PARISH – STE. MARIE’S CHURCH, corner of Chamberlain and Grafton Sts. Lowell. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, E. Chelmsford. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Westford House, Patient Activities Fund, 3 Park Drive, Westford, MA 01886. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222. www.faymccabe.com