SOUTH HADLEY Helene L. (Sauve) Grenier, 86, resident of South Hadley, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her loving family, January 2, 2019. Born in Holyoke, daughter of the late Ernest and Blanche Sauve, Helene was a graduate of Precious Blood Grammar School and High School, class of ’50, and attended Anna Maria College. Helene was married for 66 years to R. Robert (Bob) Grenier until his death on October 10, 2017.
Helene was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, sharing her deep love with her cherished family in the true spirit of Mother Mary. She was a devoted caretaker for her dying mother, daughter, and beloved husband. Her special, warm and deep love will be dearly missed by all.
Family was Helene’s true passion. She was the hostess for any family event, opening her home and heart to all who entered. Helene loved visiting with family and vacationing on Cape Cod, searching for small treasures in antique stores.
In Helene’s words, “I’ve been the #1 fan, supporter, assistant and advisor to Bob in all his endeavors. It’s been a fruitful partnership”. For 30 years, Helene partnered with her husband, Bob, to run the family photography business, The Greniers, a Family of Photographers, later named Grynn & Barrett Studios.
She retired in 2011. Helene also partnered with Bob while he held leadership positions in many community and religious organizations. She taught CCD at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Holyoke and was treasurer of the Ladies Guild.
For her efforts, she received the Pope Pius X Award. At Our Lady of Guadalupe, she and Bob established the Right to Life Committee to support LIFE causes and led the parish as one of the first in the diocese to raise funds to support Bethlehem House, a non-profit, faith-based pregnancy care center and established the rosary-makers group that has created and provided over 100,000 rosaries to various local and foreign ministries. Helene received the award of Our Lady of Good Council from the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in 2004.
In 2011, Helene and Bob were chosen Pro-Life Couple of the Year to honor their work. She is survived by two daughters, JoAnne Palmer of South Hadley and Francine (Rick) Stephens of Lyndonville VT, and four sons Larry (Patricia) of East Longmeadow, Daniel (Maureen) of Austin, TX, Marc (Briget-deceased) of Holyoke, Christopher (Catherine) of Chicopee. Five Grandsons: Michael, Jeffrey, Andrew (Sara), Christian Grenier and Zachary Wilgus.
Six granddaughters: Carolyn (P.J.) McClay, Kara (Greg) Salton, Casey and Nicole Grenier, Michelle Stephens and Pauline Piechota. Five Great Grandchildren: Declan and Eamon McClay, Hazel Rose and Rory Salton and Owen Grenier. Two sisters: Marguerite Perreault and Janet Sikes.
Sisters-in-law: Rhea Sauve, Judy Sauve-Reed, Claire Grenier, Rita Peloquin, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Helene was pre-deceased by a daughter, Lisa Wilgus in 2007, daughter-in-law Briget in 2009, siblings: Robert and Norman Sauve, brothers and sisters-in law: Roland Perreault, Romeo, Paul, Normand and Donald Grenier, Millie Archambeault, Cecile Brochu, Yvonne Loudon, Marie Pafik and Anne Guiheen. Calling Hours will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 3-7pm at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA.
A liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 10am at St. Patrick’s Church, 30 Main St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Burial will be at Notre Dame Cemetery, South Hadley, MA, immediately following. Attendees please meet at church.
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