Obituary: Remembering 'Mrs. Foxborough' Helen Ann (McKay) Garant

Helen Garant, lifelong resident of Foxborough, died on Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2012 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

She was the daughter of the late Jeanette and Thomas A. McKay, Sr. She is the beloved wife of Ronald Garant of Foxborough, devoted mother of Pamela Fernberg of North Attleboro and Debra O’Connell of Newton, N.H.; special Mother-In–Law to Drew Fernberg and Richard O’Connell; Cherished grandmother of Cassandra, Andrew, Austin and Christopher-Jordan Dwyer of North Attleboro, Larissa Fernberg of North Attleboro, Shana and Gavin O’Connell of Newton, N.H.; endeared sister of Lorraine Foren of Foxborough, James McKay of Valatie, N.Y. and Thomas A. McKay, Jr. of Mansfield; deeply loved aunt to several nieces and nephews as well as revered Godmother to Andrea Goodale, James Groves, Paul Garant Jr., and Sara Fernberg.

She held many lifelong friendships dear and she lovingly touched many lives with her positive outlook, abundant compassion, and incredible spirit of life. She was called “Mrs. Foxborough” on many occasions. She truly enjoyed her town activities including Founder's Day and proudly participated in the Foxborough Against Diabetes walk every year.

Prior to her retirement, she worked at the Foxboro Company and Foxboro Post Office. She was a valuable asset to the Wee Deliver Program where she enjoyed reading to young children & happily gave them tours of the post office.

Despite her illness she enjoyed taking long walks and participated in a local bowling league and the Livestrong program at the YMCA. She brightened many occasions with her skilled cake decorating. Always happy to lend a helping hand, she enthusiastically helped out with resident activities at the Maples Rehab and Nursing Center.

She enriched their lives with her care and concern, doing art projects, assisting with BINGO and other games and events and was nominated the “Volunteer of the Year” consecutive years. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Parish. For her, no task was too small, whether it was running daily errands or thoughtfully sending cards, where there was a need; she would find a way.

She went on many outings as a sighted guide for the New England Regional Ski For Light program. Her favorite saying was Live, Love, Laugh and she looked at the world with rose colored glasses and brightened people's lives with her natural smile and her favorite hue of red. With her optimistic spirit, she touched the lives of many and left an indelible impression on our hearts.