Helen Labonte
SACO — Helen A. Labonte passed away peacefully on April 28 at the Gosnell House with her husband and daughter by her side as the sun shone upon her face.
Helen was born on March 22, 1942, in Hollis, the eldest child of six, to Calvin and Barbara Benton Tozier. She graduated from Thornton Academy in 1961, where she met the love of her life, Denis Labonte. They were married in 1962, followed by the birth of their daughter Lisa in 1963, and Christopher in 1964.
Helen worked in various shoe shops over the years as a fine stitcher. Her sewing skills were like none other, including making wedding dresses for her daughter, daughter-in-law and sister, as well as all the bridesmaids dresses for each wedding. Most recently, she was employed as crossing guard for the City of Saco Police Department, a job she very much enjoyed, which gave her an opportunity to engage with the younger population of Saco. Helen was not a talker, but she was a great listener and observer. She was a woman with quiet insight, incredible strength, patience and wisdom. She worked tirelessly in her gardens, doing home projects and spending time with her dogs, Zoey and Abby. Though she did not have a formal education, Helen was extremely well read, as the walls in her home indicate, full of historical books and autobiographies; reading was one of her passions.
She is survived by: her husband of 58 years, Denis; her children, Lisa Labonte and Christopher Labonte; and her grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored, Delanie Labonte, Danica Labonte, Nicole Mailloux and Andre Mailloux. She is also survived by: her mother, Barbara Berube; brothers, Robert and Philip; and sister, Penny.
She was predeceased by: her brothers, Carl and Wayne; and her father, Calvin.
In true Helen fashion, a woman who craved little attention and fanfare, at her request services will be private and are being entrusted to Cote Funeral Home.
The Labonte family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Gosnell House for the outstanding compassion and care provided to Helen during her final days.
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