Helene G Nedder

Helene G. (Ravanis) Nedder, 94, of West Boylston, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 18, 2021, surrounded by family.  She was born on October 31, 1926, and was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother (Yia Yia), neighbor and friend.  A humble person that was selfless and generous to all, she was loved by anyone who know her.

A fabric of the Greatest Generation, Helene grew up from humble beginnings during the Great Depression and lived through World War II.  She was a first-generation citizen of the United States born to parents who had emigrated from Greece.  A person of faith, she had deep patriotism and love of her country as she appreciated the opportunities provided to her family to pursue the American Dream.

Growing up in Cambridge near the Charles River, Helene enjoyed visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and having picnics during Boston Pops concerts at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade with her mother.  She married the love of her life, J. Richard Nedder, who she met after he crashed a bridal shower and persisted on asking her out for a date.  After accepting that date she knew she made the correct decision as they enjoyed fifty-six wonderful years of marriage, before he died in 2007.  A great woman being behind a great man was never truer as she provided endless support to her husband as he climbed the corporate ladder.  Together they raised their three children, primarily living in West Boylston since 1965.

Helene was an avid reader, enjoyed travel and had a keen fashion sense.  In her earlier days she sewed often and maintained beautiful gardens at her home.  She was known for her cooking and baking skills by anyone who had the pleasure of tasting her food.  There were always cookies for guests or neighborhood children, who would serenade her with birthday wishes in her later years on Halloween.

Predeceased by her husband, J. Richard Nedder, Sr., her parents, George and Rose (Harritos) Ravanis, and three siblings; Helene is survived by her children, Joseph Richard Nedder, Jr. and his wife Janet of Uxbridge, Elaine T. Nedder, with whom she lived, and Michael C. Nedder and his wife Peggy of Greenwich, CT; three grandchildren, J. Richard Nedder, III and his wife Becky, Catherine “Cathy” Markey and her husband Andrew, and Kathleen “Katie” Nedder; three great grandchildren, Sam, Addie, and Cameron; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Calling Hour will be on Friday morning, September 24, from 10 a.m. until her Funeral Mass begins at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston, MA.  Masks are required in church. 

Interment will be on Saturday, September 25, at 9:30 a.m. in Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. (Section 43).

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.

An online register for messages and condolences can be found at www.mercadantefuneral.com