Helen L. Flooks

Helen L. Flooks (LaCoste), 89, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 27, 2026 at Sterling Village Nursing Home.

Helen was born on March 19, 1937, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was a proud graduate of Leicester High School, Class of 1955, and faithfully attended her class reunions. She met James in a country dance hall, and fell in love.

In 1995, she married James E. Flooks, and they shared many years together until his passing in 2020.

Helen enjoyed listening to country music, loved bowling, and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She especially loved butterflies, which always brought a smile to her face. In 2021, following an illness, she became a resident of Sterling Village Nursing Home. While living there, she made several dear friends and was cared for by many kind and compassionate staff members.

Above all else, Helen cherished her family. She is survived by her Children, Joseph Bourassa of Arizona, Sharon Shoar and her husband Ernest Shoar of Auburn, MA, Robert Bourassa of North Carolina, Step-daughter Sherrye Olney and her husband James Olney of Oxford MA, her stepdaughter Eileen Flooks of Largo FL, her stepdaughter Jessica Whiting and her husband Willis Whiting of Auburn, MA, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

She was predeceased by her daughter Tina Bourassa of Worcester MA, her son David Bourassa of Worcester MA, and her sister Priscilla “Patt” Latham of Texas.

Helen was blessed with many grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She shared an especially close bond with Jimmy and Carolyn Whiting, and Jennifer and Sarah Amlaw, who visited her faithfully almost every week. Those visits brought her comfort and joy, and she loved them deeply.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Sterling Village Nursing Home and the hospice team for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Helen during her final years.

Helen will be remembered for her love of family, her quiet strength, and the many lives she touched throughout her 89 years. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly". Unknown author

"Just living is not enough" said the butterfly, "One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” — Hans Christian Andersen

Her graveside service will be held at 10 A.M. on Wednesday, July 1, in Lakeview Cemetery, North Main Street, Upton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 281 Greenfield RoadSouth Deerfield, MA 01373