Helen A. Domenici

Helen A. Domenici (McKenna) of Estero, FL and Pawtucket, RI, died peacefully on May 1, 2023, in Fort Myers, FL. Beloved wife of the late Eugene N. Domenici and loving mother of the late Michael J. Connors. Preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Hebert; and her brothers, Joseph B. McKenna, Charles F. McKenna, and Bernard T. McKenna. Devoted grandmother to Michaela Connors Maré (Nelson) of Pawtucket, RI and Ryan Connors of San Diego, C.A., and hero to her cherished great-granddaughters, McKenna Rose and Logan Elyse. Step-mother to Eugene Domenici and Lynn (Domenici) Wertz, and Aunt to several nieces and nephews. Helen was the daughter of the late Joseph F. and Helen (Dolan) McKenna, she was born in Pawtucket, RI on January 24, 1928. She spent her childhood growing up on Lincoln Avenue during the Great Depression. She was a graduate of Pawtucket East High School (Tolman) and a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, she attended Katharine Gibbs College for where she received several professional certifications. Before her retirement, she was employed as a legal secretary for over 40 years. As a founding member of Our Lady of Light Church, she spent years successfully raising capital and holding fundraisers to build a Catholic church in the Estero area, where she had move to in 1980. Helen exemplified "America's Greatest Generation” by teaching the next generation to dream big dreams, to demand the best from others and mostly from ourselves. Any death creates a void in a family, but when someone of this vintage passes on, the world loses something. In her ninety-five years, Helen experienced great joy and tragedy on both personal and worldwide levels, and handled it all with poise and grace. She modeled strength and practiced a strong faith in her daily life. Priding herself in always looking her best, she began each day selecting an outfit and looking beautiful. Helen was an indomitable woman who was known to speak her mind, living a life of bold independence with a devoted connection to her family. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, and was truly an inspiration to all. Besides her legendary recipe for clam chowder, Helen’s greatest gift to her family was her wit, charm and sense of humor. She taught by example, making us all laugh - sometimes at the most inappropriate times. She loved being a “Nana” and dedicated her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren playing endless board games, fearlessly taste-testing their recipes, dressing up her dog, Mackie, telling ‘in the olden days’ stories, going to the mall, hosting living room fashion shows, and faithfully watching her World Champion Red Sox. As a life-long learner, and avid reader, she instilled the importance of staying curious and having a wide range of general knowledge of all things in this increasingly specialized world. Her "knowing everything" was especially useful at the McKenna House where she was the reigning Jeopardy Champion without a single loss. Helen taught us to live life with great energy and passion, and most of all reminding us, that we can make a difference in the lives of others. We will miss the perspective that only someone who has lived for the last century can provide. Her 95 years and three months were a life well lived. We will miss her greatly. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community on Monday, May 15th at 11:00 A.M. All are welcome. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Helen A. Domenici

January 24, 1928 - May 1, 2023