Helena Rocha (née Franco), 96, of Somerset passed away peacefully Sunday, August 28, 2022, at home surrounded by her family. Born in Fall River to Michael and Mariana (Costa Medeiros) Franco, Helena was the ninth of ten surviving children, Michael, John, Clothilde, Manuel, Mario, Ignez, Charles, Maria and Arthur. In 1946 she married the late  Antone Rocha of Somerset. They had seven children together before separating in 1964 and divorced soon thereafter.

To support her family Helen worked in Fall River nursing homes for several years, and at Adams Drug Store in Somerset before working as a bank teller at St. Michael's Credit Union in Fall River for several years before retiring.

Helen loved being a mother and was a fabulous cook. She loved gardening. Helen also taught herself to hang sheetrock and refinish and upholster furniture, working to keep, in good repair, the house where she was raising her children. She followed the news closely and was never shy about sharing her opinion. Raised by Azorean immigrants, Helen was very proud of her Portuguese citizenship and heritage. Above all, Helen will be remembered for her sense of humor, her passion for justice, her huge heart, and arms that were always open.

She is survived by her children Helena Rocha and husband Jeffrey Buschel of Boston; Anthony  and wife Catherine Rocha, Marian and husband Robert LeComte, David Miguel Franco-Rocha, John and wife  Audrey Rocha, all of Somerset; Paul Rocha and partner Paula Silva of Warren, RI. She is predeceased by her son Phillip (Linda) Rocha, who died in 1988. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer, James, Peter, Gabrielle, Maria, Nicholas, Erica, Zoe, Isabella, Sophia, and Phillip, as well as 10 great- grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life for Helena will take place on Saturday, Sep. 10th from 4-8 PM with a Memorial Service at 6:30 PM in the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River.