Helen Gomez, age 94, of Shelburne, Vermont, died suddenly, January 24, 2024, while a resident of the Rehab Unit at Helen Porter Nursing and Rehab facility in Middlebury.

Helen Grace was born October 13, 1929, to Marshall Isaac Staples and Freda Grace (McCosco) Staples in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Helen and her parents moved to West Danville, Vermont to care for Freda's ailing mother on the McCosco family farm. Helen had many wonderful memories of her extended family in Caledonia County.

Helen is survived by her younger sisters, Kay (Staples) White, widow of Arnold "Pete" of Connecticut and Martha (Staples) Tanner and her husband Brad of Florida.

The eldest of three daughters, Helen and her family relocated to Barre, Vermont when her father joined Green Mountain Power. The family then moved to River Street in Montpelier, Vermont, where Helen continued her education, graduating from Montpelier High School in 1947.

Helen married the love of her life, Santiago Gomez, Jr., on April 7, 1951, in Trinity United Methodist Church in Montpelier, of which she remained a devoted member until her death.

Helen began her professional career at Burns Insurance in Montpelier, rising through the years to become Vice President of Underwriting at Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Montpelier. Following her "retirement", Helen took a part time job at Central Vermont Home, Health and Hospice in their Medical Records Department before her "second" retirement.

Being busy and being of service were Helen's guiding principles throughout her life. Cub scout den mother, 3rd grade Sunday school teacher, Skye Farm Church Camp counselor, Trinity United Methodist Church Trustees, United Methodist Women, Volunteer for CVHH+H for hospice care, "Cookie Nanas" of great fame with her sister Kay, and caring for her parents and her dear aunts and uncles in their advanced age. Also dear to Helen were her trips to Maine with her family, relaxing by the water, enjoying the call of the loons as recently as 2022.

Helen Grace was predeceased by her husband Santiago, who died tragically at the age of 32 on January 6, 1959, and her parents, Marshall and Freda Staples.

Because Helen was 94 years young, she leaves many who will remember her sharp wit, feisty sense of humor and stalwart independence.

She is survived by her children, James Gomez of Vermont, Tom Gomez and his wife Debbie of Florida, and Peggy (Gomez) Beauchemin and her husband Mark of Vermont.

Surviving grandchildren are Christina (Mascitti) Steele and her husband Nicholas, Brandi (Beauchemin) Robinson and her husband Ryan, Brian Zittritsch, Kevin Zittritsch, Jon Zittritsch and his wife Morgan Wonderly, and Caryn (Beauchemin) Higginbotham and her husband Jason.

Surviving greatgrandchildren are Chloe Schraml, Chase Folsom, Gavin and Saoirse Higginbotham, Sophia and Wesley Robinson, Jensen and Eden Zittritsch, and Christian "Blake" Steele.

Surviving in laws are Raymond and Rudy Gomez in Vermont, and Noel and Chickie Gomez in Massachusetts. Also surviving are numerous dear nieces, nephews and cousins spread throughout Vermont, Connecticut, Florida, and beyond.

Helen's family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to her friends, Linda Gordon, Dick and Kathi Smith, Jessica Leal and Betsy Cody, her many friends and the helpful staff at The Residence at Shelburne Bay, the nursing and therapy team from Bayada Health, the amazing team from Addison HH+H, Rachel Greene's office, Dr. Lischke's office, and Central Vermont HH+H.

Last, but by no means least, Helen's family wishes to acknowledge the humor, grace, dedication and compassion afforded to our mom by the exceptional staff at the Helen Porter Rehab and Nursing facility. She loved you all and you all wanted to take her home with you. The Good Lord beat you to it.

Blessings to you all.Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.