Helen Hannah Palmieri, 82, of Marshfield, Massachusetts, a loving Mother, caring Nana and friend to all, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born April 30, 1943 in South Portland, Maine, Helen was the youngest of three children to John and Helen Lacey. She grew up on Peaks Island in Casco Bay, and as a young adult ventured south to Boston as a nursing student. While working at a local hospital, Helen met and fell in love with Bill Palmieri, and they were married on April 6, 1963.

Helen was the ultimate caregiver for her family, as well as for friends, neighbors and any who asked. She was always willing to talk, listen, smile, comfort and cry with anyone that needed it. She connected in many ways, including teaching in day care centers, driving school buses, high school lunch lady, respite care worker, nanny and support to neighbors in need. In her later years, she was known for her ‘Nana Camp’ in the summers as the kids looked for summer activities. Helen was a devoted catholic and could be seen most Sunday mornings with any number of her children walking into church. Even recently, she appreciated the comfort of the drive-in mass held at St. Ann by the Sea during Covid times, especially on those cold winter days.

Helen’s clear passion in life was her family. Bill and Helen had 8 children in 17 years, with her raising them as a stay-at-home mom while Bill worked in Boston as a civil engineer. There were countless school, sports, birthday parties and social events that she attended, and she always brought her huge, proud smile to see her children grow and enjoy life. Weather conditions never stopped her from a hockey, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer or flag football game of her children or grandchildren. She had a way of always making everyone feel important and loved and was especially proud of each of her children. She also always made it a point to travel to Dorchester to visit Bill’s family and drive up to South Portland (and ferries to Peaks Island) to see her mom, aunts, sister and the cousins, reinforcing our love for the whole family.

Helen looked forward to every holiday that allowed for a gathering. She even built her own annual tradition that became her favorite – the summer “Lobsterfest.” The gathering brought generations and extended family together in the back yard of the home they lived in for nearly 60 years. She was able to watch her kids, grandkids, in-laws, cousins and friends all being together, playing games, smiling and enjoying each other. Helen cherished these moments.

Always willing to go on adventures, she made long distance trips to Hawaii, California, Ireland, Bermuda, and Aruba and more to visit family and soak in every bit of life she could. However, she didn’t need to travel far to have fun. Sitting on the deck in the backyard with a glass of wine or quick trips down the road to Rexhame Beach in the station wagon gave just as much enjoyment as one of the long-distance trips. Her smile and laughs will never be forgotten.

Helen is preceded in death by her loving husband Bill and older sister, Bebe Foss (Lacey) and granddaughter Alexandra Palmieri. She is survived by her brother Jack Lacey and eight children: William Palmieri Jr. (Melissa), Robert Palmieri (Elaine), Richard Palmieri (Jeanine), Susan Hunter (Donny), Sandra Palmieri (Cheryl), John Palmieri (Amanda), Thomas Palmieri (Kate), and Laura Palmieri. She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Brooke, Bryan, Bobby, Jake, Kathryn, Hannah, Mia, Sabrina, Jordan, Lauren, Lacey, Wesley, Wyatt, Sydney, William, Andrew, and great-grandchildren Logan, Miles, and Rae, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann by the Sea on Friday, March 28, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment in the Governor Winslow Cemetery.

A livestream of funeral services can be viewed by visiting: https://www.harborview.live/. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, online at: https://www.alz.org/ to honor her late husband, Bill.

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com