FALL RIVER - The children of Mary Helen Soares are saddened to announce her passing on March 9th after a courageous battle with dementia.

Born in Fall River, April 24, 1954, Helen is the youngest daughter of the late Rose and Joao Lopes Soares. She is the sister of Horacio Soares (wife Maria Lena), Marie Hilario (husband Stephen), Ann Borges (husband Joe) and Carlos Soares (wife Patricia).

A 1973 graduate of Somerset High school, Helen started her career as a legal secretary for various attorneys in the greater Fall River area.  She later worked  as a senior administrative assistant and office manager for a number of companies in Rhode Island.

All who were fortunate enough to have known Helen knew she was the life of the party. She loved to sing, dance, travel and most of all, shopping. She enjoyed entertaining her family and friends and took great pride in her Portuguese heritage. She was an active member of the Prince Henry Society Fall River Chapter and was proud to have earned the prestigious Order of Pilot Class award in 2017 and was named Portuguese American of the year.

Helen will be dearly missed by her children, Jennifer Lazaro (husband Edgar) and Robert Soares (wife Amanda) along with her 3 beautiful Grandchildren who were the light of her life, Ethan Lazaro, Noah Lazaro and Madelyn Rose Soares. She also leaves behind her partner Gil Tavares and life long best friend, Louise Methot; as well as many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Catholic Memorial Home for the care and compassion they provided Helen during her residency.

Her funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on Tuesday, March 14 ^th here at 9 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas More Church at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Somerset at 10 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Calling hours on Monday, March 13 ^th from 4-8 P.M.

To send the family Expressions of Sympathy, please click the Guest Book below. You may also light a candle in honor of Mary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to be made to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org