Helen (Rapoza) Couto, formerly of Mattapoisett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, died at home April 20, 2022, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was the wife of the late Abell Couto. Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Mariano and Francesca (Borges) Rapoza. She is survived by her daughter Audrey Fiocchi and her husband Paul of Plymouth, her daughter Linda Ferreira and her husband Dan of Rochester, and her son Michael Couto of Pawtucket, RI. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Bethany Fiocchi Root and her husband Jason of Danvers, Brett Fiocchi of Quincy, Benjamin Ferreira and Nicholas Ferreira of Rochester; a great-granddaughter Emma Root and many nieces and nephews. The last of her generation, she was the sister of the late Hilda Days, Olivia Martin, Georgiana Nobre, Mary Gomes, Antone Rapoza, Manuel Rapoza, John Rapoza, and Mariano Rapoza.
As the matriarch of her family she was innately kind, gentle and loving. Helen had such a positive outlook in life that she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and in turn they were drawn to her.
She was the youngest child of 9 and was adored by all her siblings. When her husband Abell joined the military, she learned to be resilient and adjust to military life. While in the service they lived in Spain, California and New Jersey. Eventually, Helen and her family settled in Mattapoisett. She loved to garden and was an active member of the garden club.
Most of all, Helen was happiest being surrounded by her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchild brought her the most joy. She was an avid reader and loved shopping, eating out and long car rides. Her laughter and smiles were infectious and plentiful and she shared them often. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Helen’s Funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 26th at 9 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St. Mattapoisett at 10 am. A private burial service will be held at a later date. Visiting hours will be on Monday April 25th from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Waltham, MA 02451 or www.heart.org. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
So sorry to hear you lost your beautiful, loving mother. Helen always radiated joy and good humor and I know she will be missed. She will always be in your hearts and souls, the love will never end only be changed for a little while. She will never really leave you, she loved you to much.