Helene G. (Martel) Stentiford

Helene Stentiford passed away peacefully at home in Wakefield, Massachusetts on Saturday, November 9, 2024 with family and friends by her side. 

Born Helene Gracia Martel on October 14, 1941 in Dover, New Hampshire, she was the 12th of 14 children of Irenee and Yvonne Martel. French was the family’s first language.

She married Robert E. Stentiford in 1983 and enjoyed a long marriage until Bob’s passing in 2016. They lived in North Reading first before settling in Wakefield, where they built an apartment attached to the house where Bob was born on Lake Street. With her unwavering faith, she was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Church in Wakefield. She inspired many with her dedication to community outreach through her tireless service to her church and town.

She leaves behind her stepchildren, Tim (Tom) of California, Joan (Jeffrey) of Washington, DC, and Barry (Vitida) of Kansas. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Kurt (Louisiana), Brandon (California) and Geoffrey, a senior at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the St. Joseph Church community who provided so much love and support over the past few difficult months. The family also thanks her close neighbors, the Lake and Huskey families, for their love and kindness. 

 A Funeral Mass Celebrating Helene's Eternal Life will be held in St. Joseph Church Albion St. Wakefield on Friday November 15th, 2024 at 10 am. Please meet directly at church.  Internment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share remembrances with her family on Thursday November 14th, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) STONEHAM. Parking attendants and elevator available. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you practice an act of kindness to someone in your community, in the true spirit of our dear Helene and Memere.