Helen M. (Lavoie) Piessens' Obituary
Helen Marie (Lavoie) Piessens passed away unexpectedly after an acute coronary episode on December 4, 2017 at the age of 72.
Helen was born in Methuen on January 1, 1945. Raised and educated in Lawrence, she graduated with high honors from Sacred Heart High School as part of the Class of 1963. Valuing higher education and advanced learning, Helen attended Merrimack College and received a Bachelors of Arts degree near the top of her graduating class in 1967. With an unparalleled work ethic, she pursued successful careers in the fields of teaching, banking, and marketing. Prior employers include Haverhill High School, Lawrence Eagle Tribune, Honeywell, Salem Sportswear, Bike Athletic and Merrill Lynch. In 2012, Helen returned to Merrimack College as Administrative Assistant for the Economics Department and, most recently, as Senior Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Liberal Arts. Helen enjoyed being part of and serving the close knit Merrimack College community.
Helen was a sincere and selfless woman who dedicated herself to her family. Quick to offer assistance to anyone in need, she was a great friend to many. Helen also held a deep compassion for animals, devoting herself to such causes as The Humane Society, The Animal Rescue League, the ASPCA and the MSPCA. She formed an irreplaceable bond with her rescue dog, Lilly, as she had with several other rescue dogs before her. Helen touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. Helen spent much of her free time enjoying her grandchildren and caring for animals.
Helen was the beloved mother to her three children: Michael A. Piessens of Windham, NH; Lisa A. Michel and her husband Paul Michel of Haverhill, MA; and Julie M. McNeeley and her husband Michael McNeeley of Edina, MN. She was the cherished grandmother to Michael (“Mikey”), Larissa, Matthew, Alyssa, Olivia, and Liam. Helen is also survived by her brother, Richard Lavoie and his wife Judith of Tellico Plains, TN. Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Lucienne (Pomerleau) Lavoie.
Visitation for Helen will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 9-11 AM at the Merrimack College, Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours, beginning promptly at 11 AM. To honor Helen’s wishes, interment will be privately held for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helen’s memory to either: the Nevins MSPCA, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA, or to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH 03079. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Piessens family.
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