Helene Kathryn (Grenda) Alden, 89
Born in Wareham, Massachusetts, on July 24, 1936, Helene lived a life defined by love, devotion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family. She shared nearly 67 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Frederick "Fred" Alden. Their names were rarely spoken apart, and for all who knew them, it was difficult to think of one without the other.
Helene dedicated her professional career to the telephone company, beginning as an operator and retiring as a supervisor with decades of loyal service. While she was proud of her career, her greatest joy came from her family. Together, she and Fred worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their children while building a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting values.
She had a remarkable gift for making people feel important. Helene always asked how you were doing before speaking about herself, and she had an uncanny ability to remember the people and moments that mattered most. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel valued and remembered.
She also found a cherished community at Church of the Good Shepherd, where she was an active member of the congregation and generously gave her time to many of its charitable initiatives. Her faith was reflected not only in what she believed, but in the kindness and compassion she shared with others.
After retiring, Helene and Fred cherished spending winters in Port Charlotte, Florida, where they enjoyed lasting friendships, countless card games, and many happy memories. She loved Christmas, treasured family traditions, and found her greatest happiness surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and dear friends.
In her later years, Helene faced significant health challenges with extraordinary courage and determination. Through it all, she remained a source of strength, optimism, and love. The family she had spent a lifetime caring for found it a privilege to care for her in return.
Helene was predeceased by her beloved husband, Fred.
She is survived by her children, Mari Neale and her husband Barry, Andrew Alden and his wife Hilarie, Paul Alden and his wife Leslie, and Peter Alden; her brother, John Grenda and his wife Nancy; her beloved grandchildren Sharon, Michael, Kristen, Matthew, Maximillian, Griffin, Ryan, Sophie, AJ, Delaney, Liam, and Hunter; six cherished great grandchildren; and many extended family members and lifelong friends.
If Helene left her family with one lasting lesson, it was that family always comes first, and that family is defined not only by blood or marriage, but also by the people we choose to love, support, and welcome into our lives.
After nearly three years apart, we find comfort in knowing that Helene has been reunited with Fred, the love of her life. Their remarkable story of devotion continues together once again.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Helene's life on Wednesday, July 22nd , at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High Street, Wareham, MA. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund. Donations may be made through the church's website https://goodshepherdwareham.org/ or mailed to the church at PO Box 719, Wareham, MA 02571.
