Helen M. Debasitis

Helen Marion (Halfrey) Debasitis, born in Gardner, on the 9th of April, 1929, passed away on the 31st of October, 2024. She was raised in Hubbardston with fond memories of her grandparents, John and Mary Halfrey. A beloved mother, sister, and friend, Helen remained in the town of her birth throughout her life, becoming a cherished part of its fabric. Her unwavering love for her family and her tireless dedication to her work as an assembler at Simplex, she also worked for the Old Mill Restaurant, Heywood Hospital, and Kelley Brothers, a woman who exemplified the virtues of hard work, integrity, and compassion. She had also lived in Gardner, Phillipston, and moved back to live with Gloria for the last 3 years.

She is survived by her children Gloria O'Malley, George Debasitis, Patricia Vaillancourt, and Paul Debasitis, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years William Debasitis, and her son, John Debasitis. She also leaves behind fond memories with her late parents, Harry and Sigrid Halfrey, and her brothers, Robert (Bob) Halfrey, and Harry (Red) Halfey Jr., and sisters, Virginia Bove and Mary Reynolds.

Helen loved Christmas, all the holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings. She enjoyed sitting by the lake, gardening, bingo, swimming, trips to Disney, and train trips to Washington, DC and loved her daughter's dog, Ginger.

Helen's life will be celebrated on Friday, the 8th of November, 2024, at 12:00 pm in the Mack Family Funeral Homes, 105 Central Street, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440. A calling hour will precede the funeral service from 11:00 am - 12 pm in the funeral home. She will be buried at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any of the following, American Heart Association, www.heart.org, American Cancer Society, www.donate.cancer.org, or the Alzheimer's Association, www.act.alz.org.

Kevin J. Mack and Walter C. Taylor, Funeral Directors.