Helen Norine (Couture) Ford, 84, a resident of West Concord since 1959, died Saturday March 9, 2024. Helen was the beloved wife for 45 years of the late Robert E. Ford Sr., who passed in 2004.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda J. Lyons and her husband Deputy Fire Chief Kevin M. Lyons (Ret.) of Boxborough, and sons, Dennis J. Ford of Littleton and Robert E. Ford Jr. of Newburyport, three grandchildren, Firefighter Brendan M. Lyons and partner Hannah Egan of Ayer, Patrick K. Lyons of Boxborough and Cody Ford of Maine. She also leaves her beloved cats, Simone and Ivy Jean.

She was the daughter of the late Mary E. (Bewell) and Leo A. Couture. She was predeceased by her sisters, Dorothy V. Whitney and Darlene A. Leavitt.

Born in Worcester, she attended Watertown Public Schools, graduating in 1957. She worked as a Secretary for many firms in the insurance industry, technical typist for Sylvania Electric, and for 10 years as a floral designer. She worked for ETS of Acton, processing payrolls for nonprofits for 16 years. She was a Crossing Guard for the Town of Concord on the corner of Main and Pine Streets for 13 years, retiring in 1980.

She enjoyed many arts and crafts throughout her lifetime, eventually settling on painting in acrylics, mainly florals and mostly self-taught. She exhibited her paintings at the Council on Aging in Concord and also pressed flower artwork at the gallery at Emerson Hospital. She painted chairs and tables to be auctioned for an HGRM fundraiser. In addition, she painted roof tiles removed from the Fowler Branch Library that were auctioned at a fundraiser during their renovation of 2010-2011.

She enjoyed singing and playing classical music on the piano. She was a member of Sweet Adelines for 3 years in the early 80's. Helen spent a majority of her time gardening in the spring and summer. She enjoyed many family gatherings and cookouts around her swimming pool. She spent many years volunteering at the Concord Council of Aging, transporting people to and from appointments. She was called upon to help decorate the COA float for the 375th Birthday Celebration for Concord. She also enjoyed decorating the family trees celebrating children's literature at the Concord Museum.

In Helen's own words: "TATA for now!"

Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Friday, March 15th from 5 to 7 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. A private burial service will be held the following day at St. Bernard's Cemetery, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MSPCA , Groton Hill Music School of Groton, HGRM of Acton or World Central Kitchen .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.