Helen Barrieau

Funeral Location:St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church

Resting Location:Northumberland Funeral Home

Wishes:Donations may be made to a memorial of one's choice

Helen Barrieau of Douglasfield, Miramichi, NB passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27th, 2022, at the Miramichi Regional Hospital surrounded by her family, at the age of 60.

Helen leaves behind her husband and high school sweetheart, Edward, who has such fond memories of family time in the woods and at the camp, and party time at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival. Helen was a superhero mom to her children Amy (JP), Bradley (Chantelle), Ashley and Riley, and she was always their main cheerleader, even in adulthood. Her range of mom-roles spanned from taxi driver, to household shopper, to radio bingo partner, to Maker-of-all-things-Christmas.

Helen’s pride and joy were her 7 grandbabies Bailey Ann, Ivy, Annabelle, Alexia, Forrest, Hunter and Max. She transformed her house into a kid wonderland for them, spoiling them rotten with toys, clothes, candy, her undivided attention, and love. The grandkids adored their “Gaga” and preferred her to almost everyone, including their own parents sometimes.

Helen leaves behind her precious mom, Betty Corcoran, brother Jerry (Martha), sister Nancy Mullin (Rick), brothers Danny (Diane) and Johnny, and her cherished Barrieau in-laws. Keeping good care of her parents in their golden years was a strict priority for Helen, and she enjoyed time well-spent with them in their apartment, next door on Barrieau Street. She was the apple of her father’s eye and loved a good Corcoran family jam session with guitars, mandolins, and harmonicas. She worked hard to ensure Fred’s final years were joyful and comfortable. Trips down south with her sister Nancy were also always a happy opportunity for beachcombing and adventure.

Helen had many good friends and work colleagues who appreciated her work ethic, tech-savviness, patience, kindness, and sense of humor. She would return giddy and exhausted from shopping trips to the states with her pals and best friend, Donna Connolly. An SUV jam-packed with all their found treasures once even included a puppy! Meeka fast became one of Helen’s prized canine companions, in addition to KC and Ranger.

Helen’s contribution to her community were subtle and mostly unsung. She was the finish line ‘stick-lady’ volunteer for the Miramichi River Runners, and willfully worked behind the scenes of countless drama productions, field trips, orientation days and sporting events at Harkins Middle School and Max Aitken Academy. She made and always shared her delicious food. Second to none were her turkey dinners, marshmallow squares, barley soup, bacon-wrapped scallops, cherry cheesecake, frogs, and jam. Her crocheted hats were her claim to fame; meticulously and symmetrically crafted to perfection, and almost always given away. If you crossed her path and you were in-need, Helen helped.

So, with great sadness we mourn Helen’s untimely death, but with great happiness and love, we celebrate her beautiful life and the lasting influence she has had on so many of us. Her wake will take place at Northumberland Funeral Home, Miramichi, on Tuesday, May 31st from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 at 11 am, at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, with Father John Beaumaster officiating.

My mother is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and being. I may sometimes forget the words, but I always remember the tune. -Graycie Harmon