The love of God, laughter, music, and baking sweets for her beloved family are just a few of the

things that shaped the life of Helen D. Rector (McAllister), age 74, who passed away peacefully

on September 22, 2023.

Helen, a bright light for all who knew her, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She is one of nine

children from the union of Helen Hoard and William McAllister, who migrated North from the

Carolinas. She was a doting mother to Marcella and Jacquinn and a loving grandmother to three

grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She spent much of her life bringing love and adventure to all whom she encountered. She

bought gifts for the medical staff who cared for her over the years as she battled cancer, sent

cards and gifts to loved ones near and far, and could always be counted on for a shoulder to cry

on or a kind word. She consistently turned the other cheek when aggrieved and treated

everyone respectfully.

Every holiday, she would sparkle with wonder and spend days preparing all the requested

favorite cookies, cakes and pies for family and friends as the go-to family baker for decades.

Hers was a house filled with music (particularly Diana Ross and all things Motown) and singing.

Her clear, strong alto could be heard every Saturday morning when she danced and sang with

her children.

Helen spent much of her life caring for others. She spent four decades as an insurance claims

manager at John Hancock and supported the aging and dying in nursing homes and private

residences.

She was a long-time member of Messiah Baptist Church in Brockton, Massachusetts, where she

eagerly served the Lord and the community.

Helen was a beautiful, giving soul who initiated conversations with strangers and went out of

her way to show kindness to others. She was affectionately named Ms. America by her

caretakers at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she sought and received treatment for

many years.

Though she has departed her physical body, her light shines on. And, while sadness about her

departure is inevitable, she'd want us all to remember her as the sound of laughter and to

remember her as a good thing.

She is survived by her daughters Marcella and Jacquinn and a host of siblings, grandchildren,

great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and other loved ones.

A funeral service will be held in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 S. Main St., (Rt.28) West Bridgewater on Monday, October 2nd at 11:00 AM followed by interment in Melrose Cemetery, Brockton. Calling hours on Sunday, October 1st from 3:00-6:00 PM in the funeral home.