Helena E. Chaves

Helena E. (deRezendes) Chaves, 100, of Glastonbury, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2015. Helena was the beloved wife of the late John Chaves. She was born on May 25, 1914 in Santa Maria, Azores, daughter of the late Manuel and Mariana deRezendes.

Helena grew up in Elmwood, CT, attending local schools, graduating from the Hartford Secretarial School. She was employed by G Fox & Co. and retired from Travelers Insurance Co. She was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church for many years.

Helena enjoyed childhood winters in Florida, CT beaches, picnics in Coventry at Joe and Ruth’s, and watching television, especially The Price Is Right & Wheel of Fortune. She was an avid card player and taught her skills to future generations. Her greatest joy was spending time with family; she was a beloved Nana. Helena will be truly missed.

Helena leaves many behind to cherish her memory; son William Chaves and his wife Traudel of Enfield, daughter Mary DiNeno and her husband William of Naples, FL, son Larry Chaves and his wife Linda of West Hartford, and 10 grandchildren; Deborah, Lorraine, Bill C. Jr., Billy D. Jr., Elizabeth, Patricia, Cheryl, Lawrence Jr., Joseph and Benjamin. She also leaves 13 great grandchildren; Steven, Jackie, Heather, Erin, Derek, Kevin, Ashley, Michael, Shannon, Marisa, Anthony, Michael, and Rowan, and 2 great great grandchildren; Ava & Olivia.

In addition to her parents & husband, Helena is predeceased by her great grandson Jonathan, and siblings John & Joseph deRezendes and Mary Bollea.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helena’s memory to Glastonbury Healthcare Center, 1175 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, CT 06033, or to a charity of your choice.

Friends and family are invited to attend a period of visitation on Tuesday, April 7th from 4-7pm at Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT 06033. Services begin on Wednesday April 8th at 9am at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at St. Augustine Church, 55 Hopewell Rd., So. Glastonbury. Burial will conclude with services at St. Mary Cemetery, East Hartford. To leave online condolences, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com.