Helen (Mach) Bachand

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen Bachand, 89, a lifelong resident of Holyoke. Helen passed away peacefully on October 17, 2023 at her home that she lived in for nearly 60 years.  Helen departed this world precisely 11 years after her beloved husband of 54 years, Paul Bachand who passed away on October 17, 2012. While our hearts are filled with grief, we find solace in celebrating the caring mother she was and the impact she made on our lives.

Helen was born in Holyoke, one of four children to the late Joseph Mach and Genevieve (née Dlugosz) Mach. From her earliest days, it was evident that she possessed an innate warmth and kindness. Throughout her life's journey, she nurtured her family with unwavering devotion and care.

Helen was a graduate of Holyoke High School and the Holyoke Hospital School of Nursing. Helen was a true caregiver both at home and in her professional career as a registered nurse. She worked at both the Holyoke Hospital and the Holyoke Geriatrics Authority. Helen retired in 1994 to spend her time with her grandsons and to volunteer with the Nurses of Western MA continuing education division, Catholic Charities, and the March of Dimes.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved son Joseph Bachand in 2014. She is survived by her son David Bachand and his wife Laura of Southampton MA and her daughter Susan Hunter and her husband Michael of Andover MA. Helen is also survived by her three cherished grandsons Paul Bachand of Binghamton NY, Jon Hunter of Los Angeles CA, and James Hunter of Brookline MA, her sister-in-law Anne Bachand of Polk City, FL and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Helen is also predeceased by her brothers Joseph Mach, Francis Mach, sister Valeria Mach and her brother-in-law John Bachand.

As we bid farewell to our beloved mother, we know she is at peace, reunited with her beloved husband Paul and son Joe, and is watching over us with her eternal love. May her soul rest in eternal tranquility, and may we strive to embody the love and grace she bestowed upon us.

In remembrance of Helen’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Helen at Our Lady of the Cross Church in Holyoke on Monday, October 23, 2023. Burial took place in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in South Hadley. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke handled all arrangements.

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