ROLLINSFORD - Helene M Croteau, 94, of Clement Rd and formerly of Indigo Hill Road in Somersworth, died peacefully on August 30, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 4, 1931, in Somersworth, NH, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Marie-Anne (Doyon) Masse. She was raised on Green Street in the home that still remains in her family today.

Helene met and married her loving husband of sixty-four years, David Croteau, and together they built a home and raised their seven daughters in Somersworth. Her first love was unquestionably family. She cherished the many large gatherings and traditions, such as the annual family blessing, making pork pies at holidays, Birthday Sundays with family, and day trips to Pepere's camp, to name just a few. Helene thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and games and was a competitive, strategic, and sharp player. Helene was skilled at knitting, and her family and friends benefited from several homemade gifts over the years.

But of all the things Helene loved to do, picking blueberries at Tuts Farm in Milton ranks very high on the list!

Helene was a hard worker, always maintaining a well-kept home, keeping her seven daughters and husband well-fed, well-dressed, and staying ahead of all the needs while working full-time, often on the night shift. She held jobs at Vic's Diner and Dover Shoe and then spent a 38-year career at General Electric, retiring in 1989. Helene and Dave took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska in 1988, driving the Alaska Pipeline and making wonderful memories.

Helene is survived by six of her daughters; Nola and her partner Greg Russell of Portsmouth, Paula and Tom Beyer of Old Orchard Beach, Gail and Jon Morse of North Berwick, Donna and Ron Barton of Somersworth, Kathy and Marc Metivier of Rollinsford, and Brenda and Darren Snow of Rochester, grandchildren; Kate, Adam, Eric, Matthew, Sarah, Emily, Whitney, Shaw, Aaron, Laura, Meredith and Mallory, 17 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, as well as a brother Martin Masse (Rachel), several in-laws and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, David Croteau; a daughter, Carol A. Kolomittchenko; a son-in-law, David Moreau; and sisters Bertha, Rita, Blanche, Cecile, and Simone; and brothers Robert, Freddie, Gerard, and Roger.

Friends may visit with Helene's family on Wednesday, September 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South Street, Somersworth, NH.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 4, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in St. Martin Church, with Fr. Andrew Nelson as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery with a gathering of fellowship and refreshment in the church hall.

The Croteau family would like to thank Helene's wonderful caretakers from Cornerstone Hospice, especially Nurse Keith Davis.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Helene's name to St Ignatius Church, 120 Maple Street Somersworth, N.H. 03878.

Care for the Croteau family has been entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home.