Helen L. Stotz

Turners Falls, Massachusetts
Helen Louise (Deane) Stotz, 87, a resident of Davis Street, in the Turners Falls section, died Wednesday evening, February 11, 2015 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, 164 High Street, Greenfield, MA, following a brief period of declining health.
A native of Bernardston, MA, she was born on June 9, 1927 to Charles R. and Gladys E. (Raymond) Deane. Helen attended Bernardston Public Schools and was a graduate of the former Powers Institute in the Class of 1946. 
Helen was employed as an executive secretary for the Franklin County Technical School District for 31years, retiring on August 31, 1993.  Following her retirement, Helen accepted a hostess position with Morgan Tours which she held from 1993 until 2004.  She was a member and past Trustee and Treasurer for the former 1^st Congregational Church of Turners Falls, MA. Helen was active in numerous activities of the church, including dinners and seasonal bazaars.  When the 1^st Congregational Church and the former Grace Church blended into one community, Helen was among those who were instrumental in the process, culminating in what is now the Congregation of Grace Church.
Helen was a former Trustee of the Aaron Clark Cemetery Association in Turners Falls, as well as a member of the Rural Postal Carrier’s Association with her late husband Jacob.  She was often found supporting numerous charitable organizations with her time, talent and treasure which included (to name a few) The Crop Walk of Franklin County, Meals on Wheels with Franklin County Home Health Care Corporation and Relay for Life.  She was active in politics, having served on the Town, State and National Republican Party committees. Helen was a member of the Loyal Order of Eastern Star, 60 year member of the Turners Falls Chapter #81, having served 6 times as Worthy Matron. When the Turners Falls Chapter consolidated with the Arcana Chapter #50 in Greenfield, she served as the Starpoint Esther.  She was appointed Grand Electa for the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts in 1972-1973.
Helen enjoyed crafts and attending craft fairs and antiquing. She will be fondly remembered for her warmth and generosity, her captivating smile and engaging personality.  She traveled extensively and had the privilege of a Papal audience, while visiting Rome.   
Helen married Jacob W. Stotz on July 26, 1947 in the United Church of Bernardston, Bernardston, MA.  They celebrated 32 years of blissful life together, prior to his passing in October of 1979.
She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Russell Deane and his wife, Lillian, of Bernardston, MA, as well as her loving and devoted partner of 26 years, Harold “Bud” Collins of Turners Falls, MA.  In addition, she leaves her adoring nieces and nephews who include: Carol Guetti and her husband Steven, Donna Hanks and her husband John, Ray Deane and his wife Katy, Diane Ellis and her husband Gordon and Sheryl York and her husband Jim.  Additionally, there are several grandnieces, grandnephews and great grandnieces and great grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Percy Deane and his wife Delphine, as well as by her niece Nancy Deane. 
Funeral services in celebration of Helen’s life, will be observed on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 from the Congregation of Grace Church, 148 L Street, Turners Falls, MA.  The Order of Eastern Star rite will take place in the parlor of the church at 9:00AM, to be followed by a period of visitation from 9:30AM until 10:30AM. At that time, guests will be invited to transition into the sanctuary of the church for formal services at 11:00AM.  Rev. Verne M. Williams, Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Gordon Ellis, nephew-in-law, will co-officiate the services. Rites of committal and burial will follow in Aaron Clark Cemetery, Turners Falls, MA and will be private for family only.  A reception will be held in the fellowship hall for all in attendance at the conclusion of the services.   
Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are recommended in lieu of flowers to The Congregation of Grace Church, 148 L Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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