NASHUA-Helen P. (Wind) Hermance, 87, of Nashua, a former longtime resident of N.Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at Greenbriar Terrace on Monday, March 12, 2012 surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Walter B. Hermance.

She was born in Yonkers, NY on December 6, 1924 and was a daughter of the late George and Margaret (Dunne) Wind.

Prior to her retirement, Helen was employed by the Empire Shop in Medford, MA. She worked in retail sales most of her life, as well as raising a large family. She was a communicant of St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford. Helen enjoyed many years as an active volunteer with the Chelmsford Senior Center where she received many awards for her volunteer efforts. She was also a longtime member and chapter officer of TOPS. Helen lived a full life and among other things enjoyed traveling with her friends. Her greatest source of pride and sense of accomplishment was raising her children.

Helen is survived by her children; Ralph A. Hermance and his wife Carol of FL, Gregory J. Hermance and his wife Maryann of Malden, Barbara J. Buttrick and her husband Alan of Nashua, Robert W. Hermance and his wife Shelli of Danvers, and her daughter-in-law Linda Hermance of N. Chelmsford, as well as 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Helen was predeceased by her son James A. Hermance of N.Chelmsford in 2011.

Visiting hours will be on Friday from 6 to 8 pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 115 Middlesex St., North Chelmsford. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery.