Helene L. Pickett

Helene Louise (Wooster) Pickett, 89, of Wilbraham, MA was carried safely home to the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on February 19, 2023 following a long and courageous battle with many health issues. The daughter of the late George Hoadley Wooster and Helen (Dahlquist) Wooster, Helene was born in Rutland, VT and raised in West Rutland, VT. Following the death of her father, Helene and her mother moved to Worcester, MA where she attended North High School, graduating as a Horace Mann scholar. Helene attended UMass, Amherst and graduated with highest honors from Becker Junior College in Worcester. At Becker, Helene served as Bursar and as Executive Assistant to college President Warren Lane. It was also at Becker where Helene met her sweetheart, a handsome Navy veteran named James Willard Pickett. Helene and Will were married in 1957 and eventually settled in Wilbraham in 1963.

In Wilbraham, Helene quickly became a dedicated participant in her church and in her community. A 30-year member of Wilbraham United Church, Helene taught Sunday School, served 14 years as Church School Superintendent, was a past president and board member of the Women’s Guild, served as Clerk of the Governing Board and of the Congregational Society, and was a 48-year member and past president of Women’s Fellowship. In 1995, Helene found a new church home at Christ the King Epiphany Church where she also became an active member of her church family, helping to coordinate special events with the Fellowship Committee and volunteering to read scripture at Sunday services.

In addition to her church activities, Helene was a nine-year den mother and den leader coach for Cub Scout Pack 177. A lover of the theater, Helene was a past president and long-time board member of Wilbraham United Players, serving as House Manager for many of WUP’s productions, and she volunteered for the Wilbraham Summer Youth Theater. Helene was a director of the Wilbraham Community Association and a founding member of the Wilbraham Peach Festival for which she volunteered for 25 years, most notably as Coordinator of Children’s Entertainment. In 2000, Helene was honored to be named Grand Marshal of Wilbraham’s Peach Festival parade. Later, while serving on Wilbraham’s 250th birthday committee, Helene designed a commemorative calendar and co-authored a chapter on the Wilbraham Peach Festival for the history of Wilbraham that was published in conjunction with the 250th birthday celebration.

For 20 years, Helene worked in the dental field. Her friendly face was a fixture at Dr. George Nieske’s office in the center of Wilbraham. Later, Helene also worked for Doctors Emirzian, Mariano and Associates in East Longmeadow.

In her spare time, Helene was a gourmet cook who amazed her family and friends with her delicious culinary creations. An avid reader, Helene loved immersing herself in a good mystery. She was a devoted fan of Hallmark movies and “Jeopardy.” A lover of the ocean, Helene’s fondest vacation times were spent in Ogunquit, Maine.

Perhaps Helene’s greatest honor, however, was being a mother, inspiring her children to pursue their interests and dreams. She was never too busy to talk or to listen. She truly knew how to make a house a home.

In later years, Helene was still finding ways to serve. She was a faithful prayer warrior. She had a thriving card ministry, sending cards to her friends for special occasions throughout the year or to offer words of encouragement and hope. Helene lifted spirits with her signature sense of humor. She was always ready to shine the light of Christ with a beautiful smile, a warm hug, or a kind word. Her life was a precious gift to all of us, and she will be greatly missed.

Helene was predeceased by her beloved husband Will in 2000 and her precious son David in 2020. To cherish her memory, Helene leaves her loving son, Bradford Pickett and his wife Linda of Bakersfield, CA, her dear daughter-in-law Jenny Pickett of Hudson, NH, and her adoring daughter Nancy Pickett of Wilbraham. Helene leaves her treasured grandchildren: Ashley Pickett, Brittany Bryant and her husband Ian, and Christian Pickett, all of Bakersfield, and Hannah Pickett of Windham, NH, and her newest joy, her great-grandson David Kimpton of Windsor Locks, CT. Helene also leaves many friends who always stayed close to her heart.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Maine State Society for Protection of Animals, Box 10, South Windham, ME, 04082, or to Lutheran Camp Calumet, Box 236, West Ossipee, NH, 03890.

A celebration of Helene’s life will be held at Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main Street, Wilbraham, on Saturday March 4 at 1:00 PM. There will be a private burial later in the spring. Wilbraham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.