WATERVILLE – It is with deep sadness that the Jose family announces the passing of our mother and grandmother Helen Jose, on March 13, 2023. Helen, two months shy of her 99th birthday, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family.

Helen was born in 1924 to a coal mining family in Uniontown, Pa. She grew up in the years of the Depression. Circumstances at home prevented her from attending nursing school as she dreamed, but her smart and industrious spirit took her far in every career she pursued. Helen’s work ethic, positivity, and care were an inspiration to her children and extended family.

Helen married her high school sweetheart Harry Jose in 1944 during Harry’s two week leave from World War II service. After his return in 1946, the couple settled in Uniontown, Pa. They welcomed their first child, Mark, in 1949, Ruth in 1951, and Brian in 1962. All three children have enjoyed excellent, fulfilling, successful lives guided by the examples set for them by Helen and Harry.

In 1970, Helen went to work for the Sherwin Williams Company in Pittsburgh, Pa., and in retirement volunteered in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at MaGee Women’s Hospital holding babies and providing support. After Harry’s death in 1992, she moved to Waterville, where she cherished being close to grandchildren, sharing time with newly made friends, gardening, and continuing volunteer work at MaineGeneral Hospital. Her grandchildren fondly remember Sunday night dinners, wiffleball in her backyard, baking, and playing cards together.

Helen took great joy in being a mother. In fact, she often said, “motherhood is the thing I wanted most in the world.” She equally relished the role of grandmother. She loved the ocean and some of her happiest times were family gatherings on the coast.

Helen was also a woman of deep faith. From childhood on she was involved in the church and took great comfort in her relationship with God. She was a dedicated member of First Congregational Church UCC of Waterville and loved music and singing in the choir, among many other church activities. She had church friends with whom she enjoyed playing bridge throughout her 80s. Helen cherished her friendship with Kay Marcoux, also in her 90s. They spent many afternoons playing cards, doing puzzles, and talking over meals together. Friend and caregiver Gina Boudreau introduced Kay and Helen and gave them both the gift of having a friend their own age in their final years. We are grateful to Gina as well as to Helen’s neighbors Jake and Devin for their friendship and keeping Helen’s young spirit alive.

Helen was predeceased by her parents Sylvia and Lee Moore; her husband, Harry Jose; and sisters Dorothy Karpinecz and Jean Wheeler.

Helen will be sadly missed by her children Mark Jose (Barbara Covey), Ruth Wylie (Bill), and Brian Jose (Patty Candella); eight grandchildren, Rachel Wylie Caron (Dan), Suzanne Wylie Whitney (John), Dylan Jose (Erin Birney), Amy Jose, Liam, Seth, Aiden, and Harper Jose; five great-grandchildren, William, Luke, and Lily Caron, and John Jay and Charles Whitney; nieces Helen Jean Johnson, Patty Ohneck, Charlene Smith, and nephew, Mike Karpinecz.

She touched the lives of so many, and was also deeply grateful to all those who touched her own.

A memorial service will be held for Helen on Saturday March 25 at 3 p.m., at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 69 Silver St., Waterville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Jose family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MaineGeneral Home Care and Hospice, who took such great care of Helen in her final days, the Essentials Closet at the Waterville UCC, or the charity of your choice.

Maine General Hospice: http://www.give.mainegeneral.org/hospice

Essentials Closet UCC: http://www.watervilleucc.org/essentials-closet

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