Helen Jean Gaddis, 71, of Claremont, passed away on October 23, 2023 peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family and friends. For those who knew Helen, she was a firecracker to the end.

Helen was born on March 14, 1952 in North Troy, VT to Rejeanne (Sweeney) and Felix Vincent. After a tragic house fire that claimed her father and 2 sisters, Helen's family relocated to Claremont, NH for a fresh start, where they resided for years.

Helen graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1970. In August of 1971, she married David Blish. Although their marriage ended, they shared a daughter together (Melinda).

She met Donald Gaddis a few years after her separation, and after over 5 years of being together, they got married. They enjoyed several more years together before he passed away in 2010.

Helen worked hard to support her family. She worked at Holson Photo for over 20 years, until they closed their doors. She had a few other jobs after Holson, including 10 years with Design Standards, and the most recent being the Dollar Tree on Washington St. She loved her time there but had to retire in August due to health issues.

Helen was a lifetime member of the Women of the Moose. She met many friends during her involvement throughout the years. She enjoyed the bands that played there, and absolutely loved to dance. She even had a special group of women who she travelled with to the Moose conventions. She fully believed in all that the Moose Organization stood for. Especially Mooseheart and Moosehaven.

She was also a member of the Polish American Citizen's Club for a few years. She enjoyed seeing bands there as well. She also developed a love for karaoke during her tenure as a member, and was an avid Bingo player.

Most of all, Helen enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, and spending as much time with them as she could. She went to countless games (soccer, baseball, softball, and hockey) and school plays to cheer them on. She also adored her daughter and son-in-law. She was there for all of them in so many different ways.

She was predeceased by her mother, Rejeanne Faucher; father, Felix Vincent; stepfather, Laurent Faucher; husband, Donald J. Gaddis Jr.; grandson Owen David Carpenter, as well as all of her siblings (Mary Rose Vincent, Linda May Vincent, Paul Vincent, Michael Vincent, Andrew Vincent, Myrtle Swanson, and Gloria Champney), her best friend, Sherri Blish, and her fur baby, Harley.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Melinda Carpenter; son-in-law, David Carpenter, Jr, her beloved grandchildren, Abbi and Ethan Carpenter, all of Claremont. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins, and her very dear friend, Donna.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday, November 4th at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont from 10 to noon with the Woman of the Moose service at Noon. A graveside service will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.  there will be a light luncheon after the service at the American Legion from 1 to 4pm.

A celebration of life will be held in Helen's honor in the Spring/Summer of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Helen's name to Mooseheart 155 South International Dr. Mooseheart, IL 60539 or David's House 461 Mount Support Rd. Lebanon, NH 03766