Helen Gauthier of Brooklyn, CT passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home with her family on May 12, 2020. 

Helen was born in Warren, RI on June 3, 1936 to her Irish parents Edward and Margaret O’Shea. Helen married Napoleon (Nappy) Gauthier, the love of her life, in 1956. They were married 63 years and had six children, 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. The center of Helen’s life was her husband and family. Helen and Nappy would host members of the family at their house multiple days of the week and there was always a Sunday dinner. Often, upwards of 50 members of the family would gather to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and holidays. 

Helen, being dedicated to her family, had a passion for the O’Shea and the Gauthier family history.  Helen traced the O’Shea family back to Tipperary, Ireland in the 1300’s and the Gauthier family to France in the 1500’s. In her 70’s, Helen attained dual citizenship from Ireland.

Helen also enjoyed sewing, baking, writing short stories, bridge, and the senior learning club at QVCC. Helen grew up and loved Bristol and Warren, RI and would return there regularly with Nappy until the last couple months of her life.

Helen graduated from Warren High School and the Rhode Island School of Nursing. Helen worked as the Director of Nursing at the Norwichtown Convalescent Home and as a school nurse for the town of Ledyard, CT.  She helped establish and worked at the Blair House in Norwich, CT. 

Helen is survived by her husband Nappy and their six children, Peter (wife Candy), Patrick (wife Cindy), Ann, Jim (wife Wendy), Cynthia (husband Bob Kapustinski) and Daniel (wife Louise) and her sister Peggy.  Helen was preceded by her brother Edward and sister Ann. 

Funeral services will be private; see www.tillinghastfh.com