Obituary for Helen M. Smith (Gates )
Helen Mae (Gates) Smith, passed quietly on Sunday night March 12, 2023 surrounded with love. She was born in Hartford, CT Aug. 3, 1940 to the late Ralph & Alice (Hall) Gates. She died how she lived – doing it her way. She was able to accomplish this with the care of, not just her neighbors, but dear friends Donna and George Ellis or as she like to refer to them as “Her Angels”. She was as close to home as she could be ant that’s what she wanted. We ill forever be grateful to them for that.
She was a fiercely independent and strong-willed woman. She grew up and kept up with her three brothers in East Hartford, CT. and was a 50+ year resident of Enfield, CT. She was a dedicated employee of Hallmark Cards for 35 years where she met and made lifelong friends who were there for her until the very end. “The Girls”. She treasured her cruise family, parasailing in Aruba, Rhode Island vacations, and family and friends. As frail as she became physically, she never lost her wit or sense of humor. Her mind was sharp through everything.
A special thank you to her niece and friend Betsy Wasilewski. She enjoyed your visits, you company and in her words “Delicious meals”, you lifted her spirits. Along with her parents she was sadly predeceased by her infant great grandson Chance Michael Auretta (2017). She also leaves to mourn all her wonderful neighbors and 2 very special people in her life Betsy Cannon and Patricia Allery.
Helen is survived by her devoted son Ronnie Allen and Diane Cornog of Manchester, CT, her caring daughter Tammy Allen and her significant other Chip Sarno of Feeding Hills, MA, her granddaughter Jackie Mae Kelly of Windsor Locks, CT, her brothers and sisters-in-law; James & Judy Gates of East Hartford, CT, Donald B. Gates of FL, and Ralph & Claire Gates of Storrs, CT, along with her niece Anne Marie Gates of Arlington, VA and her nephew David Gates and his wife Klaudia and their boys Andre and Daniel also of Arlington, VA. She also leaves her Vermont family who she recently was able to reunite with and that brought her great joy. Granddaughter Marissa Manolfi & her fiancé Travis and their children Aaliyah and Carter with Hunter close to her heart and in her thoughts.
Relatives and friends may gather with her family during calling hours on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 3:00 pm at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield, CT. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence message go to: www.brownememorialchapels.com.
She was a fiercely independent and strong-willed woman. She grew up and kept up with her three brothers in East Hartford, CT. and was a 50+ year resident of Enfield, CT. She was a dedicated employee of Hallmark Cards for 35 years where she met and made lifelong friends who were there for her until the very end. “The Girls”. She treasured her cruise family, parasailing in Aruba, Rhode Island vacations, and family and friends. As frail as she became physically, she never lost her wit or sense of humor. Her mind was sharp through everything.
A special thank you to her niece and friend Betsy Wasilewski. She enjoyed your visits, you company and in her words “Delicious meals”, you lifted her spirits. Along with her parents she was sadly predeceased by her infant great grandson Chance Michael Auretta (2017). She also leaves to mourn all her wonderful neighbors and 2 very special people in her life Betsy Cannon and Patricia Allery.
Helen is survived by her devoted son Ronnie Allen and Diane Cornog of Manchester, CT, her caring daughter Tammy Allen and her significant other Chip Sarno of Feeding Hills, MA, her granddaughter Jackie Mae Kelly of Windsor Locks, CT, her brothers and sisters-in-law; James & Judy Gates of East Hartford, CT, Donald B. Gates of FL, and Ralph & Claire Gates of Storrs, CT, along with her niece Anne Marie Gates of Arlington, VA and her nephew David Gates and his wife Klaudia and their boys Andre and Daniel also of Arlington, VA. She also leaves her Vermont family who she recently was able to reunite with and that brought her great joy. Granddaughter Marissa Manolfi & her fiancé Travis and their children Aaliyah and Carter with Hunter close to her heart and in her thoughts.
Relatives and friends may gather with her family during calling hours on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 3:00 pm at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield, CT. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence message go to: www.brownememorialchapels.com.