November 1, 1929 – September 21, 2023
Helen was born in Peabody, MA, on November 1, 1929, and went home to be with Jesus, surrounded by her loving family, on September 21, 2023. Helen’s unconditional love and spirit of faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love, will be in our hearts always.
Helen grew up in North Reading on the Mentus Farm, which was owned and operated by her late parents, William and Pazia (Zawinska) Mentus. Helen loved the farm and, as a child, would push her favorite goat around in a baby carriage.
Helen graduated from Reading High in 1947 and, shortly after, met Carl A. Bigham Jr. at the Union Congregational Church in North Reading, where they both sang in the choir. Helen and Carl were married in 1949 and in 1950, moved into their custom-built home at 181 Elm Street, built by Carl Sr., where Helen lived for 73 years.
During 1949-1960s, family and friends were active in “The Jubilaires,” sharing their singing and acting talents in minstrel shows in town. After Carl passed away in 1987, Helen “Nana” devoted her love and time to her family, church, and community. Being a wonderful cook and baker, she always had something to offer when family and friends dropped in for a visit. She cherished her grandchildren and would make their favorite foods, they’d watch as many movies and video games as they could to fit into their visit. Helen shared her faith and continued her love of singing as a soprano soloist in the Union Congregational Choir, where she was a member for over 70 years and attended for over 80 years. She was also a member of Faith Circle at the church, Friendship Group, O.E.S., and sang and performed with the North Reading Community Choral and The Senior Echoes.
Helen had a talent for taking a bunch of yarn, fabric or twigs, and pinecones and making them into something beautiful. She sewed and knitted doll clothes and crocheted Afghans for her family and her church fair. Helen learned to create stained-glass ornaments with her sister and nieces. She later volunteered and taught a stained-glass class at her church with many participants. Helen’s created crafts were among many sold every year at “Frosty’s Fair” at the Union Congregational Church in North Reading.
Helen spent every Spring and Fall at her church Rummage Sale where she had the patience of an angel and spent time mending items and repairing toys that would otherwise be thrown away. Many a child went home happy with a working toy.
Helen was the beloved wife of the late Carl A. Bigham, Jr., beloved mother of her late son Wayne C. Bigham, and late granddaughter Wayne’s daughter, Sara Phyllides. Preceded by death were Helen’s siblings, Michael Mentus, John Mentus, and Anne Garland, and her childhood friend Gertie. She is survived by her children Ronald of Merrimac, Craig of Methuen, Carl of Haverhill and Cheryl (Bigham) Rocca of Andover, 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 7, 2023, at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith Circle, c/o Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864, or to the North Reading Food Pantry Donate (nrfoodpantry.org), Ways to Help (nrfoodpantry.org)
