Mrs. Helen Joan Lafave

Helen Joan Lafave, 86, a long-time resident of Lenox, entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 30, 2024 at her home in Norfolk MA where she resided since 2018. Born in Williamstown November 13, 1937, the youngest of eight children of Earl and Mary Donovan Green, she was a 1955 graduate of Williamstown High School, where she played drum majorette and fell in love with her fellow classmate and future husband, Alfred “Fred” Lafave, Jr. They were married June 18, 1960 at St. Patrick’s Church in Williamstown. Shortly after their marriage, Helen and Fred moved to Lenox, first on West St., and then on Housatonic St. to accommodate their family of seven children. Helen was employed at the Lenox Public Schools for over two decades. She also served as a Pep Club Advisor and Cheerleader Advisor. She applied her cleverness and creativity to writing cheers such as “Thunderation” and designing a maroon silk top hat and vest for the Lenox High Millionaires mascot. She also made costumes for ballet and theatrical productions, with some memorable Halloween creations for her children and grandchildren. A communicant of St. Ann Church in Lenox, she was a member of Catholic Daughters and St. Ann Senior Choir. She loved to tend to her flowers in her backyard and watch the birds at her feeders. She collected bells from all over the world. Helen was pre-deceased by her devoted husband Fred, who passed away on September 4. She is survived by her children Alfred F. Lafave III (Shirley) of Lenox, Lisa Lowey (Keith) of Medway, MA, Amy Lafave of Lenox Dale, Laurie Lafave of Bellingham, MA, Jeffrey Lafave (Nicole) of Charlottesville, VA, Nicole Patella (Anthony) of Lenox, and Cherie Grover (Donald) of Franklin, MA. She was a loving and supportive Grandma to her 13 grandchildren: Joseph Lowey (Lauren), Josh Lafave (Nicole), Katelyn Borchers (Callum), Becca Barone (Patrick), Morgan Pfizenmaier (Craig), Alexa Lowey, Bailey Patella, Luke Patella, Sophie Patella, Violet Grover, Brenna Lafave, Abram Grover, Donovan Lafave, and 14 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Earl, Harold, William and Francis, and her sisters Myrtle O'Hare, Elizabeth Diaz, and Mary Lou Parisien. Helen’s family would like to express their appreciation for her caregivers in Norfolk, particularly Sabina Akomeah, with whom she had a special bond. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann Church in Lenox on Saturday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Msgr. John J. Bonzagni. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday, October 4 at Roche Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann Church in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St. Lenox, MA 01240.

Mrs. Helen Joan Lafave

November 13, 1937 - September 30, 2024