Helen E. (Merrill) Rushia, 89, of Gardner, died peacefully Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, after a period of declining health.

Born in Winchendon on May 17, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Mae (Wellman) Merrill. She graduated from Murdock High School in 1954 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Framingham State College in 1958.

Helen was a devoted parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner, where she generously gave her time as a CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister. She was also a beloved substitute teacher at Sacred Heart School and was actively involved with the Girl Scouts. Helen had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors, finding joy in gardening, tending to her flowers, birdwatching, camping, and hiking. She was also talented in sewing and knitting, enjoyed working on puzzles, and was quite the card shark when it came to playing games with family and friends. Helen loved spending time in the kitchen, baking and cooking delicious meals for those she loved. During the winter months, she and her husband enjoyed escaping the New England cold to spend time in the warmth of Florida. During the summer, many days were spent at their beach house in Cape Neddick Maine enjoying the beach with family and friends. Although she enjoyed traveling, her greatest happiness was always found in the company of her family. A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Helen took great pride in creating a warm and loving home. She especially cherished the time spent caring for and babysitting her grandchildren. Above all, Helen's greatest love was her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, treasuring the countless memories made, laughter shared, and love that surrounded them throughout the years.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Wilfred E. Rushia of Gardner; two daughters, Lynn Hearne and her husband David of Boxboro, and Kim Danek and her husband Robert of Waterford, CT; a son, Scott Rushia and his wife Paula of Brentwood, NH; seven grandchildren, Christopher Hearne, Elise Connolly, Spencer Hearne, Jacquelynn Danek, Natalie Danek, Ryan Rushia, and Sara Rushia; six great-grandchildren, Riley and Kira Hearne, Nolan and Alice Connolly, and Grant and Rhys Rushia; a sister, Carolyn Laforce of Schenectady, NY; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, Helen was predeceased by her son, Rick Rushia; and her brother, Charlie Merrill.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

Calling Hours will be held Monday, November 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics, Attn: Web Gifts, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, 11th Floor, Washington, DC 20037, or online at www.specialolympics.org. Please reference in memory of Helen E. Rushia.