Helen Joan Lafave, 86, a longtime resident of Lenox, entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 30, 2024, at her home in Norfolk, Mass., 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 Street, and then on Housatonic Street 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 predeceased 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, Mass.; Amy Lafave of Lenox Dale; Laurie Lafave of Bellingham, Mass.; Jeffrey Lafave (Nicole) of Charlottesville, Va.; Nicole Patella (Anthony) of Lenox; and Cherie Grover (Donald) of Franklin, Mass. 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, and Donovan Lafave, as well as 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased 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 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 to 7 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. To share memories and stories, please visit the funeral home’s website.
