Helen C. Sans
May 28, 1915 — May 22, 2011
GARDNER – Helen C. “Nana” Sans, 95, of 731 Baldwinville Road, Baldwinville, formerly of 134 Sand Street, Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, May 22 nd , at her residence.
She was born in Fitchburg on May 28, 1915, the daughter of the late Michael and Nellie (Galvan) Courtney, and lived in Gardner for most of her life, until moving to Baldwinville two years ago.
Helen was a 1933 graduate of Fitchburg High School and worked for 60 years at Fitchburg Paper/Weyhauser as a payroll clerk until her retirement. During World War Two, she volunteered as a hospital side. Helen donated blood regularly, earning a 2 gallon pin. An avid Red Sox fan, Carl Yazstremski, was her favorite player. In the 1950’s-1970’s. she was a local champion candlepin bowler. In 1958, she was the Worcester County Women’s Candlepin Champion. Helen enjoyed cruel embroidery, decoupage, tole painting and many other crafts.
Helen was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, AARP, Gardner Woman’s Club, Gardner “Golden Girls” line dancing group and the Golden Agers. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren’s activities, such as plays, musicals, concerts and sports events. She often bragged about “attending” a number of colleges- going to track meets. Until her later years, she never walked up a flight of stairs- always bounded up. Above all, Helen was a loyal friend to all and cared for her sisters until their deaths.
Her husband of 42 years, Joseph Sans, died in 1988. She leaves a son, Robert M. Sans and his wife Donna L of Baldwinville; four grandchildren, Cynthia L. Sans-Sanden of Baldwinville, Courtney Mullins and her husband Patrick of Baldwinville, Michael Sans and his fiancé Lauren Campanaro of Carmel, NY and Joseph Sans and his wife Alissa Of Peekskill, NY; two special friends, Betsy “Becky” Labelle and Julie Brown, as well as nephews and nieces. Helen was predeceased by two brothers, John Courtney and Bernard Courtney, and two sisters, Mary Courtney and Julia Agnes Courtney.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 27 th from Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 166 Cross Street, Gardner. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Gardner.
Calling hours in the funeral home will be Thursday, May 26 th from 6 to 8 P.M.
Memorial donations may be made to Ovila Case 905 VFW, 176 West Street, Gardner, MA. 01440.