Montpelier, VT Helen Bride Keating was born September 27, 1920 in Bristol, CT to Michael and Anne (Hynds) Bride, Helen was the eldest of six children. All but her youngest sibling, Joseph of Enfield CT, predeceased her. Adventurous of spirit and full of life, she took up downhill skiing, horseback riding and flying lessons in her youth, pushing 1930's gender boundaries. Helen met Raymond Keating in the summer of 1947 at a New Departure employee dance party. They were married May 1, 1948 in St Joseph's Church in Bristol, CT and they would have celebrated their 67th anniversary May 1. She is survived by a large and loving family - Six children; Timothy of Los Angeles CA, Peter of Burlington VT, Kevin of Anchorage AK, Nancy of Ridgecrest CA, Paul of Montpelier VT and Thomas of South Berwick ME; and nine grandchildren scattered far and wide across the US - Brendan, Maeve, Alyssa, Myles, Davis, Liam, Devlin, Bennett, Owen; and two great grandchildren, Zoie, and Eric. While raising her large family, she remained an avid bridge player and quilter, and worked for 15 years as a public school librarian. Retiring to Montpelier in 1985, she volunteered for many years at the Trinity Church food pantry and the St. Augustine's Benefit Shop. She and Ray remained life-long Catholics, most recently as members of St. Augustine's Parish. A kind, caring, compassionate woman, Helen lived a long, happy and fulfilling life, always wishing the best for those around her and much less concerned about herself. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. The family wishes to particularly thank Darcy Warner for her many years of compassionate care provided to Helen. In addition, fervent thanks to the staff of Heaton Woods for giving Helen a safe, comfortable and caring home in her final years and to Bayada Hospice for their wonderful efforts in her final month. There will be no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am on Friday April 10, 2015, at St Augustine's Church in Montpelier. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.