Helena F. Eldredge

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert W. Eldredge. Born and raised in Fox Point, Helena was the daughter of the late Daniel J. and Cecelia A. (Fox) Coffey.

Helena was a graduate of Cleary School and St. Mary’s Academy–Bay View, Class of 1951. She was a dedicated employee of Brown University for many years. For more than sixty years, she spent cherished summers at Roy Carpenter’s Beach, where she delighted in sipping tea on her porch and greeting neighbors as they passed by.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Helena was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Providence. She faithfully watched daily Mass and prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary each day, finding comfort and strength in her devotion.

Proud of her Irish heritage, Helena embraced her roots with joy, often listening to Irish music and sharing her love of family, faith, and tradition with those around her.

Above all else, Helena was a devoted and nurturing mother, the heart and soul of her family. She is survived by her loving daughters, Colleen A. Harrington and her husband David, and Patricia M. Eldredge, with whom she resided. Known lovingly as “Nanny,” she was the cherished grandmother to Shannon P. Harrington and was fondly remembered by many as “Mrs. E.”

She was the sister of the late Mary Brown, Anna Coffey, Margaret Joyce, Josephine Murray, Catherine Coffey, and Cecelia Agnes Diggins. Helena was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews and a dear friend to all who knew her.

Helena embodied compassion, kindness, and generosity. Her radiant smile and shining blue eyes could light up any room. She taught those she loved to laugh often, love deeply, and live with faith. Her legacy of love, devotion, and gentle kindness will live on in all those whose lives she touched.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Smithfield Fire and Rescue for their kindness and assistance throughout the past year. A special thank you is also extended to the RICU team at Rhode Island Hospital, whose compassionate care provided comfort to Helena and her family during her final days. The family is equally grateful to Hope Home Care for their unwavering support and compassionate services.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 pm at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Helena’s funeral will be held Tuesday, March 24, at 8:45 am at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 92 Hope Street, Providence. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helena’s memory to Our Lady of the Rosary Church Food Pantry, 463 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903.