Helen E. Wade, 80

Helen E. Wade, 80, of Dartmouth passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Born in Attleboro on June 10, 1946, to Jeremiah and Margaret (Driscoll) Wade, she spent most of her life in New Bedford before moving to Dartmouth in 1988. She was predeceased by her parents; her aunt, Helen Driscoll; her uncle, Judge George Driscoll; and her brother, John Wade.

She is survived by her niece Maureen O'Neil of Uxbridge, MA and her children Katelyn O'Neil Balles and Wade O'Neil; her niece Kathleen Wade of Seabrook Beach, NH and her children Kayla Tarnowski and William Tarnowski; and her nephew Christopher Wade and his wife Stacy of Fairfax, VA along with their children Caleb Wade, Julia Wade, and Liam Wade. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Priscilla Wade of Dartmouth and many cousins and dear friends throughout the South Coast area.

Helen graduated from Bishop Stang High School in 1964 and earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Bridgewater State College. She taught first grade and third grade in the New Bedford Public School system for 36 years before retiring in 2004. She selflessly cared for her aging mother and aunt until their passing, and her Catholic faith was always a central part of her life. She was surrounded by so many loyal and loving friends who embraced her kind and loving heart. Her sweet and giving spirit left a mark on anyone who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.

Her Funeral Mass will be Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 795 Dartmouth St., South Dartmouth. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Friday, October 16th from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.