Helen “Minnie” F. (Grieco) Groccia, 93, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2016 under the loving care of her family and the staff at Oakdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Boylston. Born and raised in Worcester, Helen was the daughter of Italian immigrants, Constantino and Gilda (Frongillo) Grieco and lived 31 years in Paxton and over 15 years in Holden before moving to Oakdale.

Her husband and best friend of 35 years, William J. Groccia died in 1981. She is survived and will be lovingly missed by her daughter, Marie A. Dubois of Worcester; her son, Steven L. Groccia and his wife, Maureen of Holden; a sister, Rita Callahan of Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Amy E. Lavoie and her husband, Marc of Summerset, Steven W. Groccia and his fiancé, Sarah Bedwell of Dover, Delaware, Daniel Dubois and his wife Tammy of Webster, Melissa Dubois and Kristen Dubois both of Worcester; 11 great grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild; nephews and nieces. Besides her husband, Helen is predeceased by two brothers, Angelo and Louis Grieco.

Helen graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and worked for the former Worcester Molding and Plastics. She later worked as a cashier at The Mart in Worcester and Zayres in Worcester. She truly enjoyed working as a cashier. Helen could strike a conversation with anyone and was energized by the conversations she had with customer’s who frequented her register. Her kind and spirited nature, honesty, quick wit and unsolicited joke telling were a warm welcome to the weary shopper.

She was a faithful member of St. Columba Church in Paxton. Helen was a veracious reader, loved her animals, played bingo, and enjoyed listening to her son recite the latest tale from the misadventures of Loren and Wally’s “Men from Maine.” Helen was always selfless and generous especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. “Having someone to love is family…Having somewhere to go is home…Having both is a blessing”…Helen’s 93 year life was a blessing.

The Groccia family would like to thank Oakdale Nursing Home and their staff for their loving care and the dedication that they provided to Helen during her five year stay with them.

Helen’s family will gather privately for a graveside service at Worcester County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to St. Columba Church, 10 Richards Ave., Paxton, MA 01612.